The Colac community is set to benefit from a new ultra low-floor bus which will start operating on the town bus network from the end of April.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the new low-floor bus would operate across all three routes of the Colac Town Bus Service starting from Tuesday 27 April.
“This new low-floor bus will make catching the bus easier and more convenient for people using the Colac town service,” Ms Tierney said.
“The new bus will comply with the Disability Discrimination Act standards increasing access for all bus passengers in Colac, in particular the elderly and people with a disability.
“The ultra low-floor design will also make it easier for parents with prams and people carrying shopping bags to use the local bus service.”
Ms Tierney said that the new bus would be welcome news for the many passengers that already use the service each week and would also help encourage more people to catch the bus.
“The Colac Town Bus Service provides an excellent public transport option on weekdays and Saturdays with 114 trips provided each week,” Ms Tierney said.
“Three routes operate as part of the town service which connects people to local businesses and facilities including shopping centres, the medical precinct, local swimming pool, the botanic gardens and Colac railway station.
“We hope that the new low-floor bus encourages more people to leave their cars at home and use the town bus service to get around.”
Minister for Public Transport Martin Pakula said a new low-floor bus was introduced on the Hamilton town bus network last year and since then patronage on the service has more than doubled.
“We hope that this new low-floor bus in Colac will generate similar patronage growth for the Colac network,” Mr Pakula said.
“Buses provide people with a greater opportunity to travel to work, attend medical appointments, and visit family and friends.
“I encourage everyone in Colac to get on board their town bus service and enjoy the benefits and comfort or their new low-floor bus.”