A DOREEN woman fed up with public transport problems in the northern suburbs is setting up her own private bus service.
Rebecca Sharkie’s husband’s nightmare three-hour daily return trip to the city prompted her to hire a full-size coach and start the “express bus” from Laurimar to Federation Square starting next month.
She said at $15 for a day return trip, the bus would cost just a few dollars more than a return train trip from South Morang, which was a 15-minute drive from Doreen with inadequate commuter parking.
“This is a bus only for locals, going express from Laurimar to the city, with no pick-up points and returning straight home,”Mrs Sharkie said.
The service would bring the community together, she said. “I really want to make it a fun way to get into the city, commuting is so boring.”
She said there would be a television and DVD player on board, while local businesses could provide a coffee and newspaper service.
“I don’t have a magic wand to wave away such things as traffic hold-ups or road works, but the bus has many benefits. People can regain valuable time and use it to read, work, chat, relax on the bus.
“The bus ticket is cheaper than driving when you factor in wear and tear on a car and the cost of parking and petrol.”
It would also save time for people currently driving to South Morang or further to other stations, struggling to find a car park, then commuting on the train, she said.
The bus timetable was yet to be determined, but was likely to be an 8.30am start and 5pm or 5.30pm return weekdays, she said.
Mrs Sharkie said she was still surveying locals to determine their needs.
For further information, visit expressbus.com.au
