Menzies MP Kevin Andrews promises cash for Doncaster Park and Ride
Voters in the eastern Melbourne seat of Menzies have been promised funding to improve nightmare parking at a public transport hub ahead of the May 18 poll. But the pledge comes with a catch.
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Commuters have been promised cash with a catch as they battle the seemingly never-ending congestion at the Doncaster Park and Ride ahead of the May 18 federal election.
Menzies’ incumbent Liberal MP Kevin Andrews has promised to throw $6 million at the venue but has told Manningham Leader it’s up to state and local authorities to shape what the project might actually look like.
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Public transport has long been a source of frustration in the municipality, which is Melbourne’s only local government area without train or tram services.
Peak-hour commuters are forced to fight for carparks before catching a crowded bus into the city from the Hender St venue, while those departing on later services can’t find any park at all.
Many are forced to park in nearby streets, upsetting neighbouring homeowners.
Mr Andrews announced the funding commitment on May 1, along with $1 million to install traffic lights in Tram Rd near Applewood Retirement Village.
He said the importance of both projects had been identified in talks with voters.
“Constituents have been telling me that these are important infrastructure measures that will help them get home sooner and safer,” Mr Andrews said.
Mr Andrews said what a multimillion-dollar Park and Ride project might actually look like was up to the State Government and Manningham Council.
“We expect they will consult with the local community,” he said.
But when Mr Andrews spruiked the announcement to followers on his Facebook page the long-talked-about Doncaster rail was continually mentioned as a more worthwhile project to pursue.
Mary Ellen Fenelon wrote: “We need Doncaster rail”, while Oli Moraes said “need rail not more carparks”.
Firas Jaffar responded “we need rail not P and R (interim) solution”, while Thomas Keating replied “pity the upgrade isn’t a rail connection to the city though, isn’t it?”
Matthew Jennings said the Park and Ride needed a multi-level carpark.