20th of May, 2025, 5:02pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Western Metro MP David Ettershank has applauded the Victorian government for finally putting money into western suburbs bus services, but says it’s still an ad hoc response to bus services.
The state budget included $162 million to improve the bus network for growing communities.
“Legalise Cannabis Victoria collaborated on the Better Buses campaign for western Melbourne over the last two years, and it’s great to see it finally bearing some fruit,” Mr Ettershank said.
“We are pleased that the Allan Government has recognised that students, working parents and pensioners rely on buses every day.
“The funding boost will deliver new and extended bus routes to growth areas – like Riverwalk and King’s Leigh near Werribee, Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park near Melton and Mystique Estate near Wollert – these services will connect to train stations.
“There will be better bus connections to the new West Tarneit Station, more bus services to the Wyndham Law Courts precinct and improved services to Caroline Springs town centre and Watergardens Station. That includes realigned bus services to connect Aintree residents to the Metro Tunnel via Watergardens.
However, Mr Ettershank is concerned that these are good but piecemeal changes.
“While we welcome these additional services, the government must commit to a comprehensive reform of bus routes and frequencies across the western and northwestern suburbs,” he said.
“There are still major public transport blackholes across the region requiring extensive service improvements.
“The only way to reduce congestion on roads in the west is to deliver quality public transport, and we know that bus services can be rolled out fast without the need to build new infrastructure.”
Free public transport for under-18s
Mr Ettershank said that Legalise Cannabis called for free bus transport for all Victorians during their Better Bus campaign.
“I’m glad to see that the Allan Government has hitched a ride, so to speak, and introduced free public transport for those aged under 18 years of age,” he said.
“This is a $320m plan – families facing a cost-of-living crisis need all the help they can get.”
Funding for Sunshine Station Upgrade
Mr Ettershank said the upgrade for Sunshine Station was big news during the recent Federal Election campaign, and he was heartened that the Treasurer Jacyln Stymes had brought forward $2 billion in funding of the total $4.1 billion pledged by the state government.
“The Sunshine Station upgrade includes adding new rail ‘spikes’ or lines and including the rail link to the airport. Basically, the government have committed to ‘untangling’ more than six kilometres of track from West Footscray to Albion.
“This will be very welcome news to the many residents in the west who work at the airport every weekday and are fed up with the drive. Here’s hoping the Airport Rail Link opens before they retire.”
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