Commuter bus trial to end

The commuter bus trial will end after a review found it was not reducing pressure on parking at Middle Brighton station.

The trial service was aimed at encouraging the use of public transport and to address parking issues in residential streets around the station.

The trial service commenced in October 2018 and was to operate for six months with a review in February 2019. The review found that despite commuters at Middle Brighton being aware of the service, usage was low and they were unlikely to use the commuter bus to travel to the station.

Bayside Mayor, Cr Michael Heffernan said Council had conducted the trial as part of a multi-faceted approach to reducing pressure on commuter parking.

“We are determined to find ways to address the issue of parking in Bayside. The squeeze on car parking spaces at railway stations and shopping centres is causing parking problems for both commuters and residents in surrounding streets,” he said.

“The trial was aimed at determining whether a commuter bus service could form part of a longer term solution. The review findings are clear so we have acted quickly to cease the trial.”

“The recent $4 million funding commitment by the federal government for parking at Hampton railway station shows that Council’s advocacy with other levels of government is effective.”

“We will continue to advocate for action, particularly on commuter parking, from Public Transport Victoria and other State government agencies.”

The commuter bus trial will end on 8 March 2019.

Find out more about the Commuter shuttle bus service