Travel between Lake Bolac and Ararat has been made easier with the Brumby Government delivering a new trial bus service.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said the Brumby Government was taking action to improve transport in communities across Victoria.
“Residents in Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Willaura and Maroona will be provided with a low-cost weekly bus to be trialled for 18 months starting this Wednesday,” Ms Tierney said.
“The service will run every Wednesday, using a local school bus that is idle during school hours.
“The 100 kilometre round trip between Lake Bolac and Ararat can be a logistical and financial challenge for many people, so this new service will make shopping, medical appointments and social arrangements easier.
“The trial service also provides a link to other transport, including Ararat transit bus and V/Line services to Melbourne and Ballarat.
“Tickets will start at $3.30, which is great value, so I encourage residents of the four towns on the route to make the most of this new community service.”
Ms Tierney said residents had planned, developed and launched the trial service as part of the Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Connections project, with funding from the Brumby Government.
“The Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Connections project is part of the Brumby Government’s Transport Connections initiative which has provided $18 million for 32 projects across the state to encourage people to get together to consider transport needs and implement local solutions,” she said.
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor thanked the residents for their hard work that led to the introduction of the trial service.
“I encourage everyone to get behind the service and use it to ensure the trial is a huge success,” Mr Batchelor said.
“This is a great example of the Brumby Government working with the local councils, schools and residents to plan and deliver local solutions that improve transport in their community.
“Through Transport Connections, the Brumby Government is helping communities improve local transport options by making better use of existing assets and services, such as taxis, school buses, community buses and volunteers.”
The service is scheduled to leave Lake Bolac at 9.20am, arriving in Ararat at 10.20am and stopping in Wickliffe, Willaura, Maroona along the way. It will leave Ararat at 1.30pm and return to Lake Bolac at 2.36pm.
A full fare will be $13.20 return or $6.60 one way, while concession will be $6.60 return or $3.30 one way.
For more information about the Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport project, contact Robyn Hemley, Transport Connections Coordinator on 0427 051 562.