The Geelong Branch of the Public Transport Users Association has congratulated the council on its decision to reinstate a central bus interchange in Moorabool Street. Geelong Branch convenor Paul Westcott said that the decision would make Geelong’s bus system more user-friendly and remove a major obstacle to future upgrades.
“It’s very pleasing to see the new council get off to such a positive start after four years of inaction,” Mr Westcott said. “With a single central interchange, buses won’t waste so much time in the city centre, and the State Government’s planned improvements can occur”.
“Council can now focus on opportunities to attract more passengers to our bus system. It could start by lobbying the State Government for buses every ten to fifteen minutes on our major bus routes.”
The state government recently promised $80 million to boost Geelong’s bus services, but nothing could be put in place until the site of the central interchange was decided. Mr Westcott said that the council decision would release this funding which would be used to bring about modest but significant improvements to routes and timetables in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Mr Westcott said that restoration the interchange would reverse the fall in patronage that occurred when the former interchange was removed. “With an interchange back in a central position, public transport in Geelong will become more visible and more usable. Sustainable methods of transport have to be improved and promoted to make Geelong more liveable and people-friendly,” he said