Date: 2008-05-12
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Ararat residents will benefit from a significantly improved bus service as part of a Brumby Government action plan to improve public transport for all Victorians. Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the Government’s Regional Bus Improvement Program would mean a four-fold increase in services which started operations this week.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Ararat residents will benefit from a significantly improved bus service as part of a Brumby Government action plan to improve public transport for all Victorians.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the Government’s Regional Bus Improvement Program would mean a four-fold increase in services which started operations this week.
Member for Ripon, Joe Helper, MP, said Ararat bus services would be increased from nine to 36 services each week and would now run six days a week – up from the previous three-day a week service.
“With bus services to increase significantly from next week, local residents and visitors to Ararat will be able to see measurable progress on the Victorian Government’s commitment to improving public transport access for our community,” Mr Helper said.
“By extending the coverage of the three existing bus routes and significantly boosting the frequency of services we will provide a more accessible and convenient bus service, which is great news for Ararat.”
Mr Helper said the introduction of the new timetable will also coincide with Ararat being the state’s first rural city of its size to have a fully-accessible bus service.
“The Ararat Town Bus Service will have accessible bus stops, new shelters at critical locations, clear Metlink signage and a low-floor bus,” Mr Helper said.
“We know some passengers find it difficult to board older-style buses so I’m sure the low-floor bus will be particularly welcomed by older passengers and those with disabilities, as well as people with children, shopping bags and luggage,” Mr Helper said.
“These improvements are great news for Ararat, and I encourage local residents to take advantage of these fantastic new services,” he said.
The Ararat Town Bus Service will provide:
· Extension of three existing bus routes;
· 21 services throughout the week;
· 15 services on Saturday morning; and
· Connections to all train and inter-town services at Ararat Station
Ms Kosky said the Brumby Government worked closely with the Ararat Accessible Transport Working Group and the Ararat Rural City Council to identify the growing community’s transport needs.
“We are introducing these new services in direct response to the feedback we received from the community,” Ms Kosky said.
Detailed route and timetable information on regional public transport services is available by calling Christians Bus Company on 53521501, VicLink on 131 638, or visiting www.viclink.com.au