Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (14:41): (1847) My question is for the Minister for Public Transport. What progress has been made in addressing the need for a direct bus service between Emerald and Monbulk? Many residents from across my electorate, from school students to our older people who struggle to drive, have told me that travelling between Emerald and Monbulk without a car is difficult and time consuming. Despite being two of the major townships in the Dandenong Ranges and only about 10 minutes by car from one to the other, the public transport journey between Emerald and Monbulk involves two buses and travel times of over an hour each way. This lack of a direct connection affects people of all ages, including the young travelling to school, sport and work, locals attending medical appointments and community members seeking access to services. My petition for this route to be established has reached over 800 signatures in under a week, and the numbers are growing. The call from my constituents is loud and clear. I look forward to the minister’s response.