By Renee Wood
Proposed changes to a major bus service in the Yarra Ranges has had its feedback period extended after the community raised concerns about the new route.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing confirmed the extension until Sunday 24 April to provide more time for people to contribute to the route changes on the Yarra Valley Bus Network.
Information sessions have been held at Healesville Coles, and another has been scheduled for the Wednesday 20 April between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
Information brochures and copies of the feedback survey can be found at the Healesville library to allow locals to submit their feedback in writing.
It comes after commuters raised concerns about the upgrades, saying the proposed cutting of the route 684 will be of a disadvantage to many.
Route 684 would start and finish at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre rather than continuing on to Southern Cross – meaning passengers will need to take a train from Lilydale station to get into the CBD.
It’s a service Healesville commuter Naomi Simpson Wynd uses regularly.
“You’re saying improvement, but you’re cutting services,” Ms Simpson Wynd said.
Ms Simpson Wynd said the service allows her to have her independence and is of benefit to many elderly and disabled residents.
“A lot of people suffering anxiety problems, they have a lot of trouble getting on public transport. This one is a safe, secure transport for them to Melbourne.
“For anyone elderly, anyone with disabilities, it is so much to get this bus to Melbourne.
“It’s clean, it’s comfortable, it’s direct, which means when I go down to the city for any particular reason, or if I need to get to specialists or hospitals, I have direct access.”
Other proposed changes to the network include removing Route 687 from Healesville to Chum Creek, consolidating Route 685 and 686 which will see some bus stops removed.
For more information on the changes and to provide feedback visit ptv.vic.gov.au/yarravalley Commuters can also call 1800 800 007 to provide feedback.
