Transport group derails bus plans

PLANS to run buses along the Monash Freeway from Dandenong to the city to ease pressure on rail services have been slammed by the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA).
PTUA spokesman Alex Makin said there were cheaper and more efficient alternatives to ensure real and immediate benefits for southeastern rail passengers.
“The solution to overcrowding encountered along the Dandenong rail corridor must be solved by rail and must provide relief for passengers in the shortterm,” Mr Makin said.
“Any notion of using buses as a substitute is overtly costly and nothing more than an excuse for rail inaction.”
Recent State Government plans have floated the concept of running buses along the Monash Freeway from Dandenong into the CBD to ease railway pressures.
Mr Makin said that each rail service during peak hours could safely carry 1000 passengers, and serve existing rail stations.
“Bus services, however, can carry only 100 passengers and would not serve major destinations such as South Yarra, Richmond or Caulfield and Monash University,” Mr Makin said.
“In 1970, an additional two trains operated during the morning peak, but where are they today?
“Two more trains running in peak hour provides capacity for another 2000 passengers.
“ This avoids having to build costly car parks and buying the 20 buses required to carry the same amount of passengers.
“It doesn’t add up.
“Despite rising petrol prices, passengers are incredibly frustrated over the plethora of excuses and inaction about the Dandenong line.
“A solution must be found that delivers immediate relief for rail passengers before more passenger heartache occurs.
“Buses have a key role to play in connecting people from their homes to nearby rail stations but are not useful for long distance mass transit travel.”