By BRIDGET COOK
A PETITION calling for public transport to service the booming Cranbourne East and Clyde North area is gaining traction.
Local resident Lisa Sturzaker started a petition last week, which has already been signed by more than 150 people, calling for the extension of a bus service to cater to the rapidly growing communities.
Ms Sturzaker said since Linsell Boulevard was opened, it now provided an opportunity for existing bus services in the Hunt Club Estate to cater to residents in the Cascades on Clyde and Selandra Rise estates.
“Cranbourne East and Clyde North is growing bigger and bigger by the day,” she said.
“There is a high youth population who would use the service if it was available.
“There is also a new retirement village in Selandra Rise and I’m sure the residents there would use the service too.
“Not to mention it would be beneficial to one-car families or school-age children.
“At present, the only way to get around is by car.”
Ms Sturzaker said the communities had waited long enough for a service that should have been introduced a long time ago.
“Residents understand that there is always a wait for services such as these when you move into a new area,” she said.
“However we are now talking about a community which has been established for around six years in some parts, and still growing.
“It’s time for Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and the council to get the wheels in motion, otherwise residents will be waiting forever.”
A spokesperson for the Minister for Public Transport said PTV had begun preliminary planning for network improvements in the Cranbourne East and Clyde North area.
“This includes looking into providing a bus service along Linsell Boulevard to service new housing estates,” the spokesperson said.
“Any new bus services would need to be considered in future PTV budgets and in the context of competing priorities around the state.
“All requests for new public transport services will be considered by PTV as part of future planning for the City of Casey bus network.”
To sign the petition visit www.gopetition.com/petitions/public-transport-for-cranbourne-east-clyde-north.html
