A recent move by the Victorian government to make public transport free throughout April is highlighting problems faced by commuters in regions like ours.
That’s according to not one, but two peak bodies representing the state’s numerous councils.
In a statement released on Monday, March 30th, Regional Cities Victoria – which counts Greater Bendigo council as a member – welcomed the measure while also claiming it exposes “a deeper and long-standing inequity for regional communities”.
That message was delivered by the organisation’s chair, and Mayor of Warrnambool Cr Ben Blain, who pointed to the lack of “coverage, frequency and integration” in the state’s local bus networks.
“Free fares are not the issue, the network is,” Cr Blain said.
“Without serious investment in regional bus services, people will continue to rely on their cars, regardless of whether public transport is free.”
He also noted that regional rail services operated by V/Line – fares for which were already low-cost – are frequently operating at capacity.
“Making services free without increasing capacity risks worsening overcrowding rather than improving access,” Cr Blain said.
These sentiments were echoed by Rural Councils Victoria, which represents the local shires of Buloke, Gannawarra, Loddon, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander, Hepburn and Pyrenees, among others.
“This is a great measure for Melbourne residents and people living in big regional cities with access to frequent and reliable public transport,” their chair and Campaspe Shire Councillor Rob Amos said in a statement.
“Unfortunately public transport is [non-existent] or not up to scratch in a lot of rural areas.
“For people in rural Victoria, driving isn’t optional – it’s essential.
“Our residents, farmers, health workers and small businesses can’t rely public transport.
“However we are hopeful a reduction in fuel consumption in Melbourne will help free up supply for rural areas.”
Both groups are now calling on the state government to deliver greater investment on road infrastructure in regional areas.
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