EXTENDED HOURS FOR BUSES TO THE INNER NORTH

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FROM THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

DATE: Tuesday, April 8, 2008

EXTENDED HOURS FOR BUSES TO THE INNER NORTH

Bus travellers on bus Route 552, 553 and 567 in Northcote, Preston, Reservoir and Regent will benefit from extended service hours and a seven-day running schedule, Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky announced today.

This upgrade in three local bus services is part of a total of 58 bus routes across Melbourne that will benefit from extra services.

“These extra bus services will mean more flexible travel options for local residents, particularly as more people catch buses to either travel to work or to visit family and friends,” Ms Kosky said.

“Buses are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport with bus patronage growing by six per cent in the last year,” Ms Kosky said.

Fiona Richardson, Member for Northcote, said this is a significant boost in bus services for local residents with a combined 27 additional services on Saturday, 103 new services on Sunday and 122 additional weekday services per week.

“With these bus routes now running till 9pm every night of the week, local residents that use bus Route 552 and 567 will have better access to Northcote Plaza and Northland Shopping Centres,” Ms Richardson said.

The extra services on bus Route 567 started on Monday and for bus Route 552 and 553, they will begin from Monday 14 April.

Robin Scott, Member for Preston, said for the first time bus Route 552, 553 and 567 will run until 9pm on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a Saturday timetable operating on public holidays and a Sunday timetable operating on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

“Buses are a vital part of our transport network as they provide strong cross-town links that complement our train and tram network,” Mr Scott said.

“Commuters that use bus Routes 553 will now have improved connections to Regent and Reservoir railway stations,” Mr Scott said.

Bus route 552, 553 and 567 will now run from:
· 6am to 9pm on weekdays;
· 8am to 9pm on Saturdays and public holidays; and
· 9am to 9pm on Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Public Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky, said it is all part of our plan to make local public transport more flexible and comfortable for passengers.

“This is the third round of bus improvements to be delivered across Melbourne as part of a $646 million package to boost metropolitan local bus services over 10 years”, Ms Kosky said.

Detailed route and timetable information on the new service is available by calling Metlink on 131 638 or visiting http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au