Late night bus boost
GEELONG will enjoy another public transport services boost, with new late-night coaches added to get commuters home faster and safer.
The State Government yesterday announced it would introduce more night coach services between Melbourne and regional centres on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Geelong line will now have extra buses stopping between Tarneit to Lara and Corio to Waurn Ponds.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the changes would improve access to public transport during the busy weekend period.
“We’re introducing more late-night regional services, more stops and shorter wait times between the last train and the first night coach,” Ms Allen said.
“Passengers have told us they wanted extra night coach services.
“We’re giving them more options to get to and from Melbourne late at night and on weekends.”
The services boost comes just a week after space for an extra 220 passengers was added to a peak-hour Melbourne-bound V/Line train service.
The regional rail operator announced it would add three carriages to the 8.35am Geelong to Melbourne weekday service, doubling its capacity to more than 440.
Trips on V/Line’s Geelong route account for almost half of all those taken across the state’s regional rail network, with patronage increasing by 13 per cent during the past year.
The new night coach services will begin from November 24, with information and timetables on the new services available in coming weeks on board existing night coach services, at staffed V/Line stations and at ptv.vic.gov.au.
Taxi users in Geelong are also in luck, with 13CABS delivering eight new Toyota Camry Hybrid cabs to the region yesterday, reducing wait times and improving service.
13CABS general manager David Samuel said that the company had also recruited local drivers through an Geelong induction program in July.
“We have been able to local recruit drivers who know the area and who are committed to maintaining these cars to the highest standard,” Mr Samuel said.
“We will continue to grow our team of local drivers and our fleet of new vehicles.”