Ben CARROLL (Niddrie – Minister for Education, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Medical Research) (12:45): Buses are a lifeline for so many people in my local community. They get local kids to school, students to university, workers to their jobs and seniors to appointments, and most importantly too they are not just a convenience in my community but essential. That is why our Labor government is investing through this year’s budget to strengthen the services of our growing communities that rely on bus services in Niddrie and surrounds. This budget investment in better bus services across Victoria in Melbourne’s north-west will see real improvements that make a difference to everyday members of my community. I am most pleased that the route 476 in Niddrie will receive a major boost, with an additional 150 services every week. For local residents that means buses arriving more often, shorter wait times at the stops and greater confidence the public transport system will be there when they need it. Whether you are heading to work, getting the kids to school, travelling to university or making it to an important appointment, these improvements will help make the journey easier. We are also seeing longer operating hours of our bus connections. I have spoken to many residents in Airport West, Keilor East, Niddrie, Keilor Park and surrounding suburbs, and one message comes through clearly: people want practical improvements that make everyday life easier. More frequent buses are that, and I am proud of our Labor government to be delivering that today.