An Epping man is calling on his neighbours and the wider community to help save the bus stops along Lyndarum Drive and Rockfield Street.
As part of updates to Wollert and Epping North bus routes and services plan, the state government is proposing to abandon the bus stops along these roads where Tony Francis often relies on the arrival of the 357 bus.
“I regularly use the 357 bus, getting off and on at Abercrombie Grove-Lyndarum Drive because of its reliability in getting me to the train at Epping rail station … and major, often medical, appointments on time,” Mr Francis said.
He said is unable to drive, and now relies on buses because he is at risk of having epileptic seizures.
“This is something urgent to deal with, I am a bit nervous and anxious about losing these bus stops.”
According to a state government report out for community feedback, removing the route along Lyndarum Drive would speed up services.
“It means a faster and more direct journey between the estates north of Craigieburn Road and key destinations such as the shopping plaza and train station,” the report said.
According to the report, people who currently use the Lyndarum Drive and Rockfield Street stops will need to use stops at Edgars Road, Epping Road and Manor House Drive, a walk of a further 300-500 metres.
Mr Francis said that under the proposed changes, passengers from north of Cooper Street would need to travel back and forth to access Thomastown station.
He said the changes would result in the bus travelling via the Northern Hospital and Pacific Epping Shopping Centre to Epping station, turning around and going to the same stops before Thomastown station.
Mr Francis said it is important that locals have their say on these proposed changes, and keep themselves informed.
“Most bus travellers will have little idea of the full bus route system for Epping North and Wollert,” he said.
“It is challenging to find out what bus needs are for other passengers, so it is important that the survey reaches as many people as possible.”
Details: https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/WollertBus/
