To ask the Minister for Planning (for the Minister for Public Transport): In relation to the Portland to Mount Gambier Transport Connections service that has recently been cut by the Baillieu government, what arrangements will now be made to provide the vital public transport required by those living in the Mount Gambier region.
ANSWER:
I am informed that, as at the date the question was raised:
All trial services initiated under the Transport Connections program have been reviewed. The Portland to Mount Gambier trial service commenced in October 2008 and was trialled for a period of three years and two months. The review found the trial service to be unviable due to low patronage over the trial period. Public Transport Victoria will continue to monitor the transport requirements of regional and rural Victoria and seek opportunities for future transport provision where warranted.