Doreen, Mernda, South Morang and Whittlesea residents will have better access to public transport when a new Plenty Valley bus network launches next month.
The network will feature seven new extended or realigned bus services and improved train and tram connections, helping to better connect Whittlesea residents with other communities in the north.
It will be launched on July 24 and will be operated by Dysons.
Dysons metropolitan services group manager Paul Giusti said the new network was the result of extensive community consultation. He said the company had been lobbying Public Transport Victoria to create more frequent services that would encourage people to use buses to get to trains and trams, rather than driving their car.
“We want to get people used to using buses and public transport,” he said.
Among the new services being launched next month is a bus along Cravens Road, Galloway Drive and Pearson Road at Mernda West, a new route along Laurimar Boulevard at Doreen, and through the Hawkstowe estate at South Morang.
There will also be improved connections to Laurimar town centre, and more frequent services to the route 86 tram terminus at Bundoora and South Morang station.
The network will also include the reintroduction of a bus service between Whittlesea and Greensborough.
Mr Giusti said the new network’s big ticket item was the inclusion of services every 10 minutes from Mernda to South Morang station.
The new network will also boost local jobs, with Dysons proposing to recruit 50 bus drivers.
Mr Giusti said the company was hoping to recruit local drivers who know the community.
The new network is part of the state government’s $100 million better bus network.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said the new network would improve connectivity in the growing northern suburbs.
“It will make it easier for people to get to work, school and appointments, and home again safer and sooner at the end of the day,” she said.
Details: ptv.vic.gov.au
