Wednesday, 20 March 2019

 Mr STAIKOS (Bentleigh) (19:03): (388) My adjournment matter is for the attention of the Minister for Public Transport and concerns bus services in my electorate. The action I seek from the minister is that she takes a ride with me on the new 627 bus when it is up and running in June. Around three years ago I held a bus services forum in East Bentleigh. A number of opinions were raised by local residents, mainly existing bus commuters, and as a result of that forum a number of improvements were made. One of the principal requests that kept coming up at the forum was the need for another north–south bus route in Bentleigh, and I am pleased to say that following extensive consultation—and it was very extensive consultation—we will have the new 627 bus route, which will run from Moorabbin railway station to Chadstone shopping centre. As I said, we consulted widely. That included more forums. It included a lot of mail, including writing to more than 4000 residents near the bus route and sending them a survey. We got a lot of surveys back—600 from memory. We consulted widely on the route, and we came up with something that we think will actually serve the area well. It will mean that there will be a connection between Moorabbin station on the Frankston line and Murrumbeena station on the Dandenong line. It will mean for the first time ever there will be a proper bus connection to the Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre.

It is fair to say, though—I have noticed this in my nearly five years as a local member—that for some reason buses seem to cause division in local communities, because of course nobody wants a bus stop outside their home. I have to say I have received complaints from some people now that bus stops are being designated, but what I would say of course is that bus services are necessary for the many, many young people in our area who work at Chadstone shopping centre and need the means to be able to travel there. But can I also say that bus services are necessary for the many older people in our community who do not have cars or who do not like driving but need to be more mobile so that they are not isolated. They need to be independent so that they remain well and lead healthy and happy lives.

I look forward to hosting the minister in my electorate to take a ride on this fantastic new bus route.