Uber-type bus service set to ease Point Cook commuter crush from April
An Uber-style bus service — without the Uber price tag — is expected to bring sweet relief for residents of public transport-starved Point Cook. So how would it work?
Wyndham Leader
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An Uber-type bus service is expected to bring sweet relief for residents of public transport-starved Point Cook.
The WYNBUS pilot, set to launch in April, will give commuters access to on-demand transport throughout the fast-growing suburb in areas not currently serviced by Public Transport Victoria.
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Project co-ordinator and Point Cook Action Group treasurer Senthill Sundaram told the Leader WYNBUS aimed to fill gaps in the area’s “completely inadequate” public transport network.
He said patron numbers would help determine ongoing need for certain routes, with data then used to lobby the state for permanent services.
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People would be able to book a spot on the 12-seat bus using a smartphone app, Mr Sundaram said.
“It’s similar to a ride share service, like Uber, and will be very simple for people to use,” he said.
“We will run where PTV don’t currently have services and lobby to get permanent services where we find there is a need.”
Mr Sundaram said WYNBUS had been given a $31,500 grant from the State Government’s Pick My Project fund late last year and the money would be used to buy a second-hand vehicle, with volunteers used to drive the bus.
The starting route will go from Saltwater Coast to Werribee Mercy Hospital, stopping at major housing estates along the way.
Mr Sundaram said the bus would leave every 45 minutes during peak times, and would run as a flexible on-demand service at off-peak times.
WYNBUS is expected to cost $2 per trip, one way, and is due to launch at the end of April subject to regulatory permits coming through.
“We will see how this goes and it goes well we’ll look at getting more partners on board to roll out the service to more areas,” Mr Sundaram said.
He said funding partnerships with developers of local estates were welcome and anyone interested in volunteering their time to drive WYNBUS should visit wynbus.org.au for more information.
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