By Violet Li
A Pearcedale local has been disappointed at the continued absence of a direct bus service to Mornington Peninsula after 20 years of advocacy.
Tim, who preferred not to use his last name, said the traffic in the town central was horrible when the local football clubs played against each other on the weekends.
“There’d be cars everywhere on the sides of the roads because there was no public transport next to the towns,” he said.
Tim, who has medical trouble, is not allowed to drive.
“I have to get a lift with people if I want to go into the peninsula,” he said.
Tim said it had been 20 years since he first reached out to the Mornington council, local MPs, and the State Government.
“It’s been gone for a long time,” he said.
“But now that Pearcedale is out of the peninsula, they’ve got no interest.”
Pearcedale currently has two bus lines: 792 connecting Cranbourne and Pearcedale, and 776 connecting Frankston and Pearcedale via Baxter.
PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said while Pearcedale was not the busiest part of Melbourne, there should be better public transport options to major destinations around the Peninsula.
“When driving to Mornington takes under 20 minutes, but some bus options take well over an hour, sometimes two, clearly the local public transport services have something lacking,” he said.
“Better public transport options can help ensure that those who cannot drive can still access opportunities for work and study, as well as make important trips such as for medical appointments.
Public transport can also help families who might be struggling with the cost of owning and running multiple cars, by providing options other than having to drive everywhere.”
Bass MP Jordan Crugnale said buses played a vital role in getting people to where they needed to go, also connecting them with services, support, employment, education, areas of interest and so much more.
“I have and continue to advocate for better services to suit modern times whether it is a new route, a tweaking of existing timetables, an uplift in services including on the weekend or even route changes which benefit our community, especially for our younger and older community members that may be without a car or yet to drive,” she said.
“It is a social investment and a priority for my electorate across every age group and every township.
“I have represented the community of Pearcedale and surrounds since 2022 and am sorry I have yet to bring about positive change, but I keep at it and encourage everyone to join me in this pursuit by filling in the link below so as a collective we strengthen our efforts of the need in our area: ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/customer-service/feedback-and-complaints/.”
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM said: “Our city’s rapid population growth is leading to record car ownership and increased pressure on our community’s roads and transport network.“
“Our community deserves accessible and affordable public transport. Council continues to work with the State Government to improve the bus network in Casey and to advocate for routes that connect residents to the services they need.“
The Department of Transport was contacted for comments.
