Bayside Council to launch free commuter shuttle bus service

A MELBOURNE council will take public transport into its own hands when it launches a commuter shuttle bus service later this year which will be free for anyone.

BAYSIDE commuters may soon be able to leave their cars at home with the council to splash $60,000 on the launch of a free shuttle bus service later this year.

Councillors hope the initiative — to begin as a six-month trial in October — will open up parking spaces at key public transport locations, including Middle Brighton station.

At peak times, commuters will be able to catch either of the two 12-seater mini buses at 14 stops scattered across the municipality.

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The idea was first floated by Councillor Alex del Porto earlier this year but looked dead and buried after officers recommended against it.

However, Cr del Porto went ahead and won enough support to get the trial green lit at last week’s council meeting.

“The State Government won’t give us commuter parking, so
we have to rely on ourselves,” he said.

MYKI won't be required on the shuttle bus service.

Councillor Clarke Martin, who, along with Mayor Laurie Evans, voted against the trial, slammed the idea as “reckless”.

“The State Government will look at Bayside Council offering free buses and say ‘problem solved, they don’t need any money for buses’,” Cr Martin said.

Deputy mayor Rob Grinter supported the plan.

“Let’s trial it because I’m quite willing to see how it works,” he said.

“We can stop in six months if it’s not working.”

The trial will be promoted in the community in September .

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