Heathcote Health chief executive Dan Douglass says potential improvements to the public transport service between Bendigo and Heathcote would be long overdue.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Douglass’ comments come after McIvor Transit submitted a proposal to Public Transport Victoria with solutions to the Bendigo-Heathcote corridor’s transport woes.
“When I first got to Heathcote four years ago it was identified as a major challenge,” Mr Douglass said.
“The initial focus of the proposal was on Junortoun but a number of (local) organisations got right behind it and said ‘why not look at the corridor’ because it would address Axedale and Heathcote.”
Mr Douglass said improving public transport access and services was in Heathcote’s community plan.
“We had an action group about three years ago and tried very hard for improvements,” he said.
“The proposal McIvor Transit put forward was professional and detailed. A lot of thought has gone into it.”
Currently there are only five buses to Heathcote from Bendigo each day leaving Bendigo station at 6.45am, 10.05am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm.
Buses also only run from Monday to Friday with no weekend routes.
Under McIvor Transit’s proposal, services would be more frequent to Heathcote and run every half hour to Junortoun.
A town-based neighbourhood bus service would also begin in Heathcote.
The fourth improvement would see daily buses to Seymour station that would links to rail services.
While Mr Douglass acknowledged it might take time for Public Transport Victoria to act, he said it wold be nice to get some concessions from them.
“It doesn’t need to be fixed overnight but there should be some commitment that they will look into it and work on a solution,” he said.
“The service we have is great but the frequency and times are what we want to improve.
“There have been a number of (transport) studies out there. As well as getting to medical appointments, residents can struggle with social isolation or challenges in getting get around the town of Heathcote and getting access activities in Bendigo.
“Improvements can open more opportunities in terms of employment, getting fit and accessing sporting and social activities.”
The Department of Economic Development Jobs Transport and Resources spokesperson said it had received McIvor Transit’s proposal.
"The Department is aware of the proposal from McIvor Transit to improve bus services between Bendigo and Heathcote," they said.
"Planning work is already underway to respond to local feedback gathered through consultation with the community in May 2016."
"We will continue to work with the community and operator to deliver better bus services for residents in these areas."