Wednesday, 22 June 2022

 Mr HAMER (Box Hill) (14:47): (6433) My question is for the Minister for Public Transport. What plans does the government have for improving the Box Hill bus interchange to better meet the needs of Box Hill residents and commuters? The bus interchange at Box Hill Central is one of the busiest in Melbourne. As I have raised in this place before, the current facilities are almost 40 years old and were not designed for the ways that commuters need to connect with or use public transport. The interchange lacks connectivity and has significant accessibility challenges, particularly for those with a disability or families using strollers or prams. There are also commuter car parking challenges and safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists. The Andrews Labor government is getting on and delivering the Suburban Rail Loop east, which begins in Box Hill and is the single largest investment in public transport infrastructure in Victoria’s history. The SRL will provide commuters in my electorate with flexible and well-connected transport linkages from the north and the south-east. This project also presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the entire precinct, including the interchange, to improve access and deliver better public transport in Box Hill.