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 bus stops along these roads which Tony Francis relies on almost every day.
“I regularly use the 357 bus, getting off and on at Abercrombie Grove-Lyndarum Drive because of its reliability in getting me to Epping rail station,” Mr Francis said.
He said he has been 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.”
He said the proposed changes would be a painful imposition for many other residents.
“There are seats on these buses for aged disabled and pregnant women, but I don’t expect they would appreciate having to walk further to get on the bus.”
According to the 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.
“Most people on Lyndarum Drive and Rockfield Street will have to walk a further 300 metres-500 metres to existing or new bus stops.
“Bus routes along Edgars Road, Epping Road and Manor House Drive will provide more bus routes and more options for people living in the area.”
Mr Francis said the process of getting to Thomastown station from the north of Cooper Street would require passengers to travel back and forth.
“There are major flaws in the supposedly more direct route chosen for bus route 357.
“The bus would go via the Northern Hospital and the Pacific Epping Shopping Centre to Epping station, turn around and go 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.
“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/
