Pearcedale residents, pictured at the end of 2005, were over the moon at the news the town would finally be connected to Cranbourne via a direct bus route. Back left: Terri Hooper, Carol Dickson, Mary Madigan, Maureen Smollen, Nikki Vandelden, Joanne Malberg, Casey mayor Colin Butler, Laura Dickson, Erin Robertson, Maggie Coburn and Clinton Clark. Front: Frank Hoe and Harry Reints. The service will cease on Sunday due to low patronage and limited funding.By Sarah Schwager
THE trial bus service from Cranbourne to Pearcedale and the coastal villages ceases on Sunday.
The decision came because of a lack of commuters, partly due to the service’s limited operating hours.
Last week, the City of Casey decided it could no longer afford to fund the service, which it said should be provided by the State Government.
It resolved to wind up the trial, which started up last April.
Casey mayor Colin Butler said the trial was a temporary measure that council committed to last year, in order to cover a gap in public transport for residents of Pearcedale and the coastal villages.
“However, it is not financially viable for council to continue subsidising public transport services, which are a State Government responsibility,” he said.
An average of 90 passengers per week used the trial bus service.
Cr Butler said the service had not been used enough to substantiate it and so council had to give it up.
“In a survey of Pearcedale residents, people said they would use it but they haven’t voted with their feet,” he said.
The service ran from about 9am to 3pm each day.
Cr Butler said Cranbourne Transit would have needed another bus at a cost of $70,000 to $80,000 to run a longer service but budget constraints meant council could not supply that bus.
“On behalf of the council, I’m disappointed that residents in some of our more isolated areas continue to miss out on a state-funded regular public transport service; however, council will continue to advocate for improved services for Casey,” he said.
The council will write to the Transport Minister Lynne Kosky requesting the government to fund improved bus services to Pearcedale and the coastal villages, with copies to be sent to local and state MPs.
