ABOUT 70 residents attended a forum in Laverton on Saturday in protest at having to catch up to three modes of public transport to reach their local doctor, pharmacy or shops.
As previously reported by the Weekly, Hobsons Bay council has slammed the cancellation of bus routes 413 and 416, which had provided a direct bus for Seabrook and Laverton residents to Aircraft station and the Aviation Road shopping precinct.
The changes were introduced by Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder and Public Transport Victoria after Williams Landing station opened on April 28.
Altona Meadows, Laverton and Seabrook residents who could previously catch one bus to local services now have to catch two buses and a train in some cases.
Two bus trips are required to travel from Laverton to Central Square shopping centre in Altona Meadows.
Laverton residents travelling about a kilometre to their IGA supermarket or medical centre have to catch a bus to Laverton station and then a train to Aircraft station.
Hobsons Bay councillor Luba Grigorovitch said the changes were “outrageous” and people shouldn’t have to catch three modes of transport to access their local facilities.
Addressing the forum, Wyndham councillor Peter Gibbons said the issue affected people on both sides of the municipal border. “We’re having similar comments from people who want to come from west to east.”
He invited people to attend a similar forum being held in Wyndham this week.
A report from the Laverton meeting outlining people’s concerns will be presented to the government and PTV.
