Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce wants action on neglected bus routes

A LEADING Yarra Valley community organisation is calling for action on public transport in Yarra Glen after a lag of more than 30 years.

Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce president Rod Thomas.

A LEADING Yarra Valley community organisation is calling for action on public transport in Yarra Glen after a lag of more than 30 years.

The Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce will lobby government agencies for a change to a stagnant bus route that has not be altered since the Yarra Valley Railway was decommissioned in 1980.

The Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader is running a campaign — Get us moving — for a much-needed improved service, ahead of this year’s state election.

Leader campaign to get the Yarra Ranges moving by lobbying for better bus routes

Currently the 685 bus route from Lilydale to Healesville runs through Coldstream and Yarra Glen.

But Chamber president Rod Thomas said the route needed to stop at the area’s major attractions including wineries, the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Alowyn Gardens for visitors but also service resident’s needs.

Leader previously reported a Castella vision-impaired teenager called for more public transport to connect isolated towns in the Yarra Valley.

Vision-impaired teen lobbies for Yarra Ranges bus from Castella to Yarra Glen

Arrion Strichow, 16, and mum Leasa called for a bus service that would cater to people without a car, including the elderly and those with mental health issues.

But Mr Thomas said the lack of public transport meant there was gridlock on weekends.

“The only way to travel out here is by car,” Mr Thomas said.

He said the lack of planning and transport options was a “terrible indictment” on state and local government.

“They’ve fallen asleep at the wheel,” Mr Thomas said.

He said there was one million visitors to the Yarra Valley per year, which would only increase.

“It would be a massive thing for tourism and road safety to come here without having to drive a car,” he said.

The Chamber also want the railway line back up and running, which Mr Thomas said would cost $5 million.

“Because there is no bus service people are left with no way of getting home,” he said.

“It’s a no-brainer.”

Yarra Ranges Environment and Engineering acting director Jane Sinnamon said the council was part of the Eastern Transport Coalition, which advocated for sustainable and integrated transport services.

Ms Sinnamon said residents in areas including Yarra Glen experienced infrequent service and routes do not reflect tourism opportunities.

“One of the improvements we are advocating for is improved bus service and frequency, including in the Yarra Ranges and through the Yarra Valley.”