Hobsons Bay council has been forced to install bike-parking hoops at Seaholme railway station because the state government is not keeping up with demand.
Cr Sandra Wilson said the council had requested more bike-parking facilities but was told by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) there was not enough funding.
“All our train stations need more bike-parking options,” she said.
“Facilities such as Parkiteer cages would be the ideal option but we have been advised by PTV there is no funding.
“Seaholme station had no bike parking and hoops are the best we can offer at this time.”
Five hoops have recently been installed by the council at Seaholme.
Altona shortage
Cr Wilson said there was also a shortage at Altona station, where more than 20 people are on a waiting list for bike lockers, of which there are eight.
“I reported chewing gum in one of the locks about six months ago and I was told it would be cleaned,” Cr Wilson said. “If there is chewing gum in the lock it means no one is using it. The chewing gum is still there. That’s one locker at least that could be better used.”
Bob Neilson, a spokesman for Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, said more Parkiteer cages would be rolled out but could offer no guarantees for Seaholme or Altona.
“We’re adding new Parkiteer cages across the network and will continue to assess demand at Seaholme and Altona stations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Protective Services Officers were deployed to Seaholme station on Tuesday and will patrol from 6pm to the last train daily.
