So backs Sunday bus service

THE plight of a Melbourne CBD bus service has opened the gates for further debate over Greater Dandenong’s weekend bus service.
Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades this week said comments by Melbourne’s lord mayor, John So, in the media vindicated arguments in favour of retaining the council-funded bus service.
The bus offers the only Sunday services to local activity centres in Greater Dandenong.
The service has been criticised by fellow councillors for its low passenger numbers and ongoing cost to council, and will be terminated at the end of April.
Cr So recently told the Melbourne press that a new tourist bus with low patronage was in its early days.
“Like any new endeavour you need marketing, you need people to get to know it,” he said.
Cr Blades this week said people opposed to the service’s retention should realise that the weekend bus service was similarly ‘half full, not half empty’ and its use would grow over time.
“You can’t go anywhere in Dandenong on Sunday by bus,” she said.
“We have got buses that drive out of the city.
“If you want to catch a bus from Springvale to Chelsea, then you might be able do that, but people might want to go to the Dandenong Hospital, the doctors, or the train station.
“John So is saying what I am saying – these things take time.”