Residents of smaller communities in Moyne will have greater access to services and activities in Warrnambool, thanks to a trial bus service funded by the Brumby Government.
In a 12-month trial launched today, the service will operate between Woodford and Warrnambool, stopping at Bushfield and Mailors Flat, every Friday and Saturday.
State Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said accessible transport was vital to everyday life in regional Victoria and was often the very fabric of enhancing community connectedness.
“The new bus service will make it easier for people to travel to Warrnambool for shopping, business and medical appointments,” Ms Tierney said.
“It will also provide safe transport for young people on the weekend and is a great way for people from different communities to get together.”
The route to be trialled was determined by residents, as part of the local community Getting There and Back Transport Connections project, with funding from the Brumby Government.
Getting There and Back is one of 32 Transport Connections projects across the state helping connect people and their communities and improving access to services through better use of existing transport.
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the residents of the towns included on the route had worked for six months to plan, develop and launch the trial service.
“The working group, which began as a small group of dedicated residents and grew to involve more than 100 local people, has done an exceptional job of planning this new service for the community,” Mr Batchelor said.
“I’d like to thank the residents of Woodford – it’s their hard work which led to the introduction of this trial service.
“This is a great example of the Brumby Government working with 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.”
For more information about the Getting There and Back project contact Transport Connections Coordinator Garry Moorfield on (03) 5593 7100.