Surf Coast Energy Group calls on Department of Transport to give timeline for new Torquay, Armstrong Creek bus network

A local group says the community needs answers on when a new bus network for Torquay and Armstrong Creek will begin, claiming current public transport has failed to keep up. TAKE OUR POLL

Mat Hines from Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) is calling on the Department of Transport and Planning to announce when the new bus network for Torquay and Armstrong Creek will commence. Picture: Alan Barber

The community needs reassurance a new bus network for Torquay and Armstrong Creek will properly cater for the growing areas, a not-for-profit says.

Community organisation Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) is calling on the Department of Transport and Planning to announce when the new network will commence.

A review into the bus network in Armstrong Creek and Torquay was announced in May 2022, with the final community consultation round finishing in June 2023.

SCEG Urban Environment spokesperson Mat Hines said the community had been told the new network would be introduced in 2024.

“We are now halfway through January, yet we still don’t know when the new network will be introduced, what it will look and function like, and whether or not it will meet the needs of our community,” Mr Hines said.

Mr Hines said conversations with the department had “failed” so far. Picture: Alan Barber

“The community deserves answers on when the new network will be introduced and whether or not it will meet their needs.”

Mr Hines said conversations with the department had “so far failed” to address SCEG’s concerns or to provide a timeline.

He said Torquay and Armstrong Creek were among the fastest growing communities in Australia, but public transport infrastructure had “failed” to keep up.

“As a result, car dependency has become entrenched, as it has in all growth areas across the state,” Mr Hines said.

“This is economically, environmentally and socially unsustainable.

“In a cost of living crisis, the government can provide relief by ensuring people have access to a cheaper alternative than driving – through public and active transport.

“This also meets the needs of the many in our community who can’t or don’t want to drive – including young people and the elderly.”

It’s understood the Department of Transport and Planning is currently working through details for service changes across Torquay and Armstrong Creek with the Surf Coast Shire, the City of Greater Geelong and McHarrys Buslines.

Improvements aimed for introduction in mid-2024 are part of changes to the Torquay and Armstrong Creek bus networks.

Final detail on the new routes and timetables will be confirmed closer to the start of service.

Mr Hines said SCEG is calling for commitments from the department that the new network would meet the needs of residents, workers and visitors.

These include:

THE reduction in routes to Jan Juc wouldn’t result in a reduction of frequency;

SERVICES would operate late into the evening for hospitality industry and shift workers;

A SUMMER timetable would be introduced; and,

A DIRECT link to Deakin/Epworth would be provided, connecting to Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, the nearest major centre.

Mr Hines said the group also wanted the introduction of a local route for Anglesea to be planned for, and a review of V/Line services to increase frequency and hours of operation.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesman said the department was “carefully selecting” new routes following input from the community.

“We recognise the important role that buses play in regional areas and our public transport network,” he said.

Member South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said: “We are improving the Torquay and Armstrong Creek bus network with more services and better routes to connect our community to schools, shops and other public transport services.”

Originally published as Surf Coast Energy Group calls on Department of Transport to give timeline for new Torquay, Armstrong Creek bus network