While most park-and-ride carparks in Hobsons Bay are overflowing, one in Altona North is so desolate and neglected it has been described as scary.
Cr Sandra Wilson is calling on Public Transport Victoria (PTV) to stop neglecting the carpark, off Millers Road, which services the 232 bus route to Queen Victoria Market.
Cr Wilson recently used the carpark and said she was too scared to return to her car.
“Arriving on my return journey from the city at 7pm, my car was the only one left in this dark, desolate carpark,” she said.
“I had an instant feeling of unease and vulnerability.
“The bus driver shared my concern by letting me off near my car and not driving to the bus stop until I had reached it.”
She said the carpark was poorly lit as lightpoles appeared not to be working and it was badly maintained, with cracked pavements.
Burnout marks point to recent hoon activity, while glass from smashed car windows is scattered on the ground.
There are cameras, but these point towards the grafitti-covered bus shelter instead of the carpark.
“I’m staggered at the neglect of this park-and-ride facility in Hobsons Bay,” Cr Wilson said.
“The neglect and lack of safety for commuters is turning people away from using the 232 bus service, which is a really direct and quick route to the city.
“Public transport options are already reduced for our community because of the poor train service on the Altona loop. This neglect just adds insult to injury and I question whether the government or PTV are serious about improving public transport for our community.
“I ask that PTV improve the safety at this park-and-ride facility as a priority before something serious happens.”
Cr Wilson raised the issue at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
PTV spokesman John Lindsay said: “PTV has noted the concerns and will investigate .”
