Maribyrnong council is urging people to take public transport following the endorsement of the Better Buses in the West campaign.
In its meeting on Tuesday, May 16, council supported the campaign developed by the Friends of the Earth Melbourne to improve the bus system.
Councillor Simon Crawford said a better bus system is necessary for the growing population.
“In Australia it is a last resort to catch a bus but if we have a good system that is fast and reliable, we will find everyone will happily use it,” he said.
“In a city like Melbourne, you have millions of people all living in one space, it’s physically impossible for everyone to drive their car around.
“There is not enough space, you need to share, you need to use public transport and a better bus system is the obvious way to do that,” he said.
The campaign is endorsing fast, frequent and connected public transport, to reduce car traffic, improve air quality and community livelihoods.
Cr Jorge Jorquera said the west is at the heart of the most explosive population growth in Australia and a better bus system is needed to get people to where they need to go.
“The west has the weakest network in terms of transport and better buses could provide the most immediate result to fix it,” he said.
The campaign highlights the need for fast, frequent and connected buses to support people to get to and from healthcare, jobs, education and other essential services.
Cr Crawford said residents need to have equitable access to essential services, efficient connections and train stations and tram stops.
“As we know there is a need to improve public transport in the city of Maribyrnong and the broader western region, to ensure our residents get to where they need to go on time,” he said.
Jennifer Pittorino
