Commuters to speak out

RESIDENTS will be able to have their say on public transport in Melbourne’s south-east at a forum hosted by the Public Transport Users’ Association (PTUA) next week.
The PTUA is an organisation run by public transport users who are keen to address the issues facing fellow commuters.
PTUA vice-president Alex Makin said all residents were invited to the open forum to be held at 7pm on Wednesday, 5 September at the Old Shire Offices on the corner of Sladen Street and the South Gippsland Highway in Cranbourne.
“The south-east is one of Melbourne’s fastest growing regions and yet public transport services fail to meet the current, let alone the future, needs of a rapidly growing population,” Mr Makin said.
Berwick resident Terry Hornbuckle will be leading the charge to lobby the State Government for improved services alongside Mr Makin at the open forum.
“Telling residents that they have to wait until 2012 for new stations is simply unacceptable,” he said in reference to proposed stations such as Cranbourne East.
“Stations such as Lyndhurst and Cardinia Lakes are required now, to ease the financial hardship caused by rising petrol prices.
“It is time that Melbourne’s south-east had the opportunity to demand action from the State Government.
“We urge residents to attend our public meeting and help us advocate for public transport” Mr Makin said.