By Casey Neill
Sandown Park train station needs shuttle buses to help commuters bypass a car parking crunch, says South East Metro Greens MP Nina Springle.
She told Parliament that the station’s car park was overflowing and asked Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan whether the State Government had a plan to connect it with the bus network.
“Public Transport Victoria’s most recent survey showed 1383 people arrived at Sandown Park Station by car, but there are only 560 car spaces,” Ms Springle said.
“This is a massive issue. People end up parking in surrounding residential streets and everybody is fed up.
“Buses are the only practical way to get people to the train station, but Sandown is cut off from the network.
“The government needs to fix this problem urgently.
“There isn’t enough space to keep building car parks so fixing the bus connection is the only solution.”
Ms Springle said extending the 811 service was one option.
“Currently the 811 goes to Springvale station, but that could easily keep going onto Sandown Park station as it already goes down Lightwood Road,” she said.
“But, ultimately, the station needs a new and dedicated bus route into the neighbouring suburbs.”
A spokesperson for Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said direct bus services to Sandown Park Station would “be considered in the future” as part of the State Government’s record investment in public transport.
They said the State Government was removing nine level crossings and building the Metro Tunnel to reduce congestion and run more trains to Sandown Park Station.
“We’re also investing $100 million in better bus services and $20 million to increase commuter car parking at stations across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.
Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades said she hoped the elevated rail project to remove the Heatherton, Corrigan and Chandler road crossings in Noble Park would include more car parking.
“Their mandate is to have no less parking when they‘re finished,” she said.
“I’m saying that’s not satisfactory.”
