The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called on the government to include Southland Station in its Transport and Liveability blueprint for Melbourne, to be released later this year.
PTUA president Daniel Bowen said it was obvious that a station should be provided for such a major activity centre that was right next to a railway line.
The western entrance to Southland is only a short distance from the train line. “Motorists driving around hunting for a car space can see the trains zooming by”, said Mr Bowen. “It’s obvious the centre should have a railway station. This is an easy fix that would allow thousands to reach Southland quickly, avoiding the traffic and parking hassles that occur every weekend.”
Mr Bowen said that while buses ran from nearby stations, they were not competitive to car travel. “The bus routes are very confusing, they are extremely infrequent on the weekends, and most don’t run on Sundays or evenings.”
The PTUA also called on Westfield (managers of Southland) to support the station, as it would boost the attractiveness of Southland as a destination, enabling thousands living on the Frankston line, including those who can’t or don’t drive, to reach the centre easily.
Contacts:
PTUA Office 9650 7898