A new PTV bus timetable introduced on 1 February has caused confusion across the Latrobe Valley, disrupting access to essential health, education, and community services for local commuters.
On behalf of residents, The Nationals’ Melina Bath has written to Labor’s Minister for Active and Public Transport seeking a reinstatement of the previous town bus timetable.
Ms Bath said the Allan Labor Government introduced new bus schedules across the Latrobe Valley to accommodate the Metro Tunnel opening and updated V/Line train timetables.
“Community response to PTV’s new timetable has been overwhelmingly critical, with commuters citing significant disruptions to their daily routines.
“By prioritising rail connections over local needs, Labor’s impractical timetable has reduced community access and left local passengers stranded.
“Town buses support the elderly, young and people with disabilities, connecting them with their local shops, education, health and support services – the hourly service was easily understood and suited passengers.”
Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron said Labor’s decision to change the bus timetables because Melbourne’s metro train loop opened defies logic.
“It’s a decision that caters for one user group only, there was no thought about the true impact on Latrobe Valley locals who rely on the bus daily.
“Residents are telling us they are struggling to get to work or university on time and the elderly and people living with a disability are struggling to know when buses arrive and depart, leaving them stranded.
“Parents have also reported the changes are causing issues for students attempting to get to school on time because the bus schedule no longer aligns with the train schedule.
“The change was unnecessary, the new timetable is not easy for people to remember – the elderly, people who are vision impaired and people with disabilities are most affected.
“Locals are understandably frustrated by the change, non-existent consultation and poor communication from the Allan Government and the timetable should revert back to what suits residents.”
