More buses to help ease eastern suburbs commuter congestion
More buses have been added to Box Hill and Doncaster routes after complaints from passengers about overcrowding but the move is only a temporary measure until a permanent fix can be found.
East
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Buses heading into the city from Box Hill and Doncaster are so crowded on weekday mornings more services have been added.
Public Transport Victoria will schedule four extra weekday morning bus services on routes 302 and 304 running from Box Hill and Doncaster.
The 302 route, which departs from Westfield Doncaster, will get one extra service. The 304 route, which departs from Box Hill Central will get two extra services.
But the move, expected to start on November 18, is a temporary measure until a plan for a permanent fix can be developed.
On school days, two full length trips and two short trips will be introduced.
The two short 302 special services will start at the corner of Balwyn and Belmore roads in Balwyn North on school days, picking up passengers along the busiest section of the route before arriving in the city.
Box Hill state Labor MP Paul Hamer, who has campaigned for extra services on the routes, is calling on commuters to take a survey detailing their frustrations with bus services in the area.
“I’ll always advocate for better public transport for the community. The 302 and 304 bus services are vital and I’m pleased our community campaign to deliver these extra services has been successful,” he said.
Users of the Facebook page, 302 304 Bus Route Melbourne Support Group, expressed scepticism that a permanent fix for the commuter crush would be forthcoming.
Debbie Kraushofer said: “I’m trying my best not to be too cynical”.
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Wendy Thomas said: It’s being introduced in November, when school and uni starts slowing down. Then December and January will show a decrease in passenger numbers, then they’ll say, ‘No evidence of need’”.