A DAY centre for severely disabled Warrnambool and district residents could be given a concession after sweeping changes to the city bus network which left it 540 metres from the nearest stop.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has confirmed it is reviewing the new route which removed a previous stop directly opposite the Kirribilli Day Services in Membery Way where clients aged from 18 to early 40s attend various programs.
Following stories in The Standard last week highlighting the anomaly, there was a groundswell of support from the community.
A PTV spokeswoman said yesterday its officers would be happy to meet with Kirribilli representatives.
“PTV will review the location of bus stops along Dalton Road and endeavour to provide additional stops as close as possible to the intersection of Hopetoun Road to ensure a stop is within 400 metres of the centre,” the spokeswoman said.
“PTV undertook an extensive consultation process with the community and the local council during development of the new network and sought to address all issues that were raised during that process.
“In many cases, PTV adjusted route networks based on the feedback received.”
The department claimed Kirribilli was serviced by a stop within 400m, but the agency said two independent assessors had measured the distance at 540m and the walking route had no footpath.
“Development of new services aims to strike the balance between providing good coverage for all residents while also providing fast, frequent and efficient services,” the department said.
“PTV aims to provide coverage for most people to the transport network within 400 metres.
“The new Warrnambool network has improved network coverage while also improving directness of routes, providing a two-way service and buses to the CBD in the morning peak.”
It said an assessment of how the new 7am workers’ bus had been adopted would be available in a few weeks.
The Standard understands there has been a slow uptake.
Buses leave Port Fairy from 7am and travel via Koroit while afternoon services from Warrnambool to Port Fairy run until 6pm plus a 4.45pm V/Line coach service from Warrnambool railway station.
People visiting Port Fairy for the day now have a later return service Monday to Friday while the last service from Port Fairy to Warrnambool goes at 3.05pm instead of 1.35pm.
There is also a 4.05pm coach service from Port Fairy to Warrnambool.