Better bus services roll out in Anglesea

AN INCREASE to the number of bus services to and from Anglesea on weekends is proving a hit.

The V/Line coach service has doubled from two to four, matching the weekday timetable.

The first of the new services from Apollo Bay to Geelong via Anglesea was held on September 30, and was popular with people returning to Melbourne after the AFL grand final long weekend.

Anglesea Public Transport Action Group (APTAG) spokesperson Lynn Bunning said she was thrilled that APTAG’s four-year campaign for more bus services was beginning to show rewards.

“We hope that V/Line will also implement the suggested Stage 1 service improvements, which would see bus services between Anglesea and our nearest railway station, Waurn Ponds, and the expanding business/leisure/health/university/ shopping precinct.”

The campaign has attracted several supporters and advocates, including the Surf Coast Shire and Anglesea Ward councillors Margot Smith and Libby Coker, Anglesea Community Network, Anglesea Community House, businesses in the district as well as members of the community.

Some members of APTAG recently travelled to and from Geelong, and remarked that for those with a concession card or Seniors Card, the cost of a one-way ticket was only $3.40 and thus probably cheaper than travelling in a car with the high cost of fuel at the moment.

“It was a wonderful, hassle-free, ‘chauffeur’ driven ride, with no parking issues,” Ms Bunning said.

“Funding has also been approved for bus shelters in Anglesea, which will hopefully be constructed soon.”

For more information on APTAG’s bus campaign, email [email protected].