Eastern Transport Coalition launches Commuters Count

Eastern suburbs residents can’t wait until 2028 for the missing links in Melbourne’s public transport infrastructure to be delivered, according to the Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC).

As the election draws nearer, the ETC is launching a campaign, Commuters Count, to encourage the community to make their voices heard.

ETC chairperson, Cr Samantha Dunn said the ETC supported the Victorian Government’s plan for expanding and improving the rail network but wanted it delivered quicker than the 15 years stated in the PTV Network Development plan.

“The million residents of the eastern suburbs can’t wait till 2028 for the generational improvements needed for rail,” Cr Dunn said.

“The current debate of road versus rail ignores the real need of commuters and businesses alike – the eastern suburbs of Melbourne need better transport infrastructure.

“The ETC needs both the state and federal government to commit to more funding to accelerate the delivery of public transport infrastructure and we are calling on local candidates in the election to support funding of urban rail by the Federal Government.

City of Greater Dandenong Mayor Angela Long said Greater Dandenong residents want the Federal Government to contribute to City Shaping projects such as the Dandenong Rail Capacity program.

“This project involves upgrades to signalling and larger trains to increase capacity and frequency on the Dandenong, Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, as well as grade separations to reduce congestion around sites like Heatherton Road, Noble Park.

Cr Long indicated that the project would provide benefits for rail travellers and local residents alike.  “We want all parties, at both the Federal and State level, to commit to improving resident’s lives by funding improvements in public transport.”

Councillor Roz Blades, Council’s representative on the ETC, stressed that Greater Dandenong residents also wanted to see improvements in bus services, particularly to areas that are not serviced, like the employment hub in Dandenong South and new residential areas such as Keysborough South. 

“While bus services are a state responsibility, we call on candidates to help us pressure the Victorian Government to provide better services to Greater Dandenong residents and workers.” she said. 

The ETC is made up of seven eastern suburban councils, Greater Dandenong, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges, and represents the public transport needs of more than one million residents.

For more information visit http://www.greaterdandenong.com/news/search?p=1