Push to pave Eastern Freeway median and turn it into a busway

A SPECIAL busway on the median strip of the Eastern Fwy has been proposed to help ease congestion on the busy stretch of road. But will the $550m plan prevent peak hour pain?

Commuters at the Doncaster Park and Ride face painfully long queues.

THE median strip of the Eastern Freeway would be paved to make way for a special busway to cater for “bendy buses” that fit up to 150 passengers under a plan to boost public transport in Manningham.

The Doncaster Bus Rapid Transit system, a $550 million proposal by Transdev, would also see special bus stops with Myki readers so commuters can touch on and off before and after boarding.

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Manningham mayor Cr Michelle Kleinert said getting the green light for the Doncaster BRT was imperative to achieve much needed public transport options and support population growth.

“While Council is not endorsing a specific scheme, we want to see the Doncaster BRT built and operational as soon as possible,” she said.

“With no rail servicing our municipality it is no surprise we have some of the highest rates of car ownership in the state.”

Cr Kleinert said the community continually raised that a lack of public transport services as one of their biggest challenges.

“The Doncaster BRT will go a long way in alleviating public transport pressures and congestions on our freeways,” she said.

“It’s a no brainer, we just need the State Government to come to the party on this.”

Leader has also advocated for investment in public transport through our Get on Board campaign, which has revealed people are struggling to find a park at the Doncaster Park and Ride before fighting long queues to get on jam-packed buses that have been defaced by graffiti vandals.

Doncaster Park and Ride an overcrowded nightmare for long-suffering bus commuters

A report from council highlights BRT as being quicker and cheaper to deliver than heavy rail while acknowledging a lack of support from Spring St had made Doncaster rail not worth advocating for.

The Doncaster Park and Ride has 400 spots for 1200 daily users and fills up quickly. Picture: Richard Serong

Transdev’s Kathy Lazanas said the organisation looked forward to consulting with the community if the State Government decided to support the project.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said improving bus services was an ongoing concern.

“Bus networks are regularly reviewed to ensure they are meeting the needs of the community to connect them to other public transport, education precincts, jobs and local services,” she said.

The minister’s office didn’t respond to a direct question about prioritising the work involved in the Doncaster BRT proposal.