A group of activists is calling on residents to help campaign for better bus services in the western suburbs.
Friends of the Earth [FoE] Melbourne are advocating for a fast, frequent and well-connected grid network of buses, which is serviced by clean and electric buses.
FoE Melbourne sustainable cities community organiser Elyse Cunningham said wait times in the west are “significantly higher” than the average for metropolitan Melbourne, sometimes by about 40 minutes.
“Over the past decade, Melbourne’s western suburbs have experienced some of Australia’s fastest population growth rates, yet transport infrastructure has failed to keep up with the needs of communities,” she said.
“The bus route runs along long, winding, convoluted lines that make it hard for people in the west to get around.
“This means people living in the west are often dependent on their cars.
“Despite many across the west being on lower incomes, people are having to fork out for petrol and other car-related costs at a time when the cost of living is rising dramatically.”
Ms Cunningham said sufficient access to public transport increases people’s ability to access essential services, like shopping centres, hospitals and education.
“It is particularly important for those who are unable to drive, who without adequate public transport are at risk of becoming socially isolated,” she said.
“We want to see buses running every 10 minutes all across the west so that everyone can have easy access to essential services, jobs and to each other.
“It also means people are less dependent on their cars which has enormous benefits for the environment such as lowered air pollution and fossil fuel consumption.”
Ms Cunningham said residents are urged to discuss with local community members the transport issues prevalent in the municipality and to write letters to their local MPs.
“The most powerful campaigns are led by affected communities and Sustainable Cities wants to support local leadership wherever possible,” she said.
Details: www.melbournefoe.org.au/transport
