Residents ‘taken for a ride’

By Shaun Inguanzo
NOBLE Park residents feel helpless and ‘cheated’ after strong lobbying failed to convince the State Government to rescue a bus service many frail and elderly people relied on.
Sunday buses are now extinct in Greater Dandenong, and Noble Park residents are left with only a three-hour window on Saturday, between 9am and noon, to catch a bus to their local shopping precinct, Dandenong and Keysborough.
The State Government last week told the south-east branch of transport lobby group the Public Transport Users’ Association (PTUA) it would not take over funding for Greater Dandenong council’s defunct Weekend Bus Service.
The service ceased last week after a 16-month trial and heated councillor debate over whether its cost was justified by its low patronage.
According to PTUA member and Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades, the State Government said it was planning new bus services for Greater Dandenong and would announce them when the Transport Liveability Statement was released later this month.
Visually-impaired Noble Park resident and PTUA member Alan Marshall said cabs were too expensive and options were diminishing for residents.
He said he would be forced to stay home and not shop or socialise throughout Greater Dandenong.
“Honestly, when you can’t get anywhere and can’t afford a taxi, what can you do? Sit at home?”
Mr Marshall submitted a 29-signature petition in January to lobby council to continue the Weekend Bus Service and could not believe it had ceased.
“I believe this is not fair on elderly people, it is appalling,” he said.
“In other words, it seems we are not worth anything. I feel we are being cheated. I’m only 57, but there are many here a lot older than me, in their 70s and 80s, and they need support.”
Mr Marshall pleaded for the State Government to increase bus frequency to every half-hour as well as allowing for increased Saturday and Sunday services.
Cr Blades said following the PTUA’s 45-minute meeting with Mr Batchelor, he was aware that residents had trouble accessing the city’s activity centres, such as shopping centres and libraries, without weekend buses.
“I am disappointed people will lose the weekend bus service but am hopeful the liveability study will take on some of that,” she said.