Ratepayer group says no to bus

By Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG Residents and Ratepayers Association (DRRA) will not support a push for Greater Dandenong Council to fund the city’s weekend bus service after February.
But it has warned local MPs that public transport in the area is still inadequate and the issue will threaten their “safe seat” status at this year’s state election.
Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades, who initially fought for the weekend service to commence in 2004, wants it funded by the council until mid-2006 in hope that the State Government will then continue funding at the beginning of the 2006/07 financial year.
But DRRA president Jim Houlahan said low patronage could not justify council funding the extension.
He said if it were to continue, the State Government should fund the service but have its routes reviewed to gain more patrons.
“We don’t know if this is the right (route),” he said.
“It has already been shifted once, and maybe there are other options.”
The DRRA’s comments follow last week’s announcement by advocacy group the Public Transport Users’ Association that it was looking to establish a south-eastern branch in Dandenong to fight for improved services and keep funding for the weekend bus service alive.
Meanwhile, Cleeland Ward councillor Paul Donovan this week weighed into the issue and said the council needed to bypass the State Government’s transport minister and lobby Premier Steve Bracks directly.
“Regarding council’s lobbying efforts, this is something the premier should take an interest in.
“I know council sent a letter to the minister for transport (about the weekend bus service), but obviously he can not act without the authority of the premier,” Mr Donovan said.
Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos said the State Government was considering council’s letter, sent before December, urging it to take over funding.
He added that the City of Greater Dandenong Council was aware when the trial commenced that the service had to be viable before the State Government would step in.