Bannockburn needs more buses, council says

MORE buses are something Golden Plains Shire Council is leading calls for as the Department of Transport and Planning conducts a review into future bus services for Bannockburn.

The council is proposing hourly buses between Bannockburn and Geelong during peak periods from 7am, services every two hours off–peak, and expanded weekend timetables.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey has said increased services to the region are needed in order to support a range of residents.

At a bus stop in Bannockburn on Tuesday this week, Cr Sharkey said those without cars, both young and older people, who wanted to travel to places like Geelong had to keep the timetable in mind.

“So particularly on weekends and school holidays, the kids want more transport in,” Cr Sharkey said.

“But then also you’ve got elderly people as well that are going in to try and get medical services and just living life and being able to get more things in Geelong.

“What we’re being told is people just want more continuity with the times of the buses coming in.”

Cr Sharkey said with the shire’s growing population, an increase in bus services would help provide better transport options.

“Particularly for young people here, if they’re getting an apprenticeship or they’re getting into TAFE, they’re taking on education… it’s a huge, huge financial burden just to have to buy a car,” he said.

“So being able to have more buses and give options for particularly younger people.”

He called on residents to make submissions to the Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula and Bannockburn Bus Network Review.

The review will consider the regions’ respective transport needs for future bus services.

A pop-up session with department staff about the review will be held at Bannockburn Central Shopping Centre on Wednesday 25 March from 3.30pm to 5pm.

More information at engage.vic.gov.au/Geelong-bus.