Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Bridget VALLENCE (Evelyn) (14:41): (1512) There are just not enough buses in my community for school students across Lilydale and Mooroolbark, and we need more. Students in my community have been left stranded, unable to get to school or home because this Labor government’s transport department has not put on enough buses to meet demand. Lilydale Heights College and Mount Lilydale Mercy College students are left stranded, refused entry on the bus at the Mooroolbark and Hull roads bus stop because of overcrowding, and the bus cannot stop at any other bus stops along the way because it is full. Students are also left competing to get on the overcrowded bus after school, forced to disembark and unable to get home. My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport. When will additional urgently required bus services be provided for Lilydale school students, including on route 2574? Ventura tried – they added additional services, only to be told by Labor’s transport department to withdraw them. It is crazy, and it makes no sense. Free travel on public transport only works if the government also ensures there are sufficient services.