LET’S NOT COMPLICATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ISSUE

THE draft Central Geelong Transport Network Operating Plan has been put out by the city council for public comment.

The plan deals with proposed priorities for pedestrian, bike, car and truck movement. Unfortunately, public transport is NOT included in the plan, as it is a Department of Transport responsibility.

Therefore, bus routes do not form part of the Council’s public feedback opportunity, and the draft plan does not include planning for bus movements in Central Geelong.

Common sense would dictate that it would be vital for the Department of Transport to partner with the council to achieve the best outcome for Geelong and its residents.

As the draft plan states, in the future public transport will play a pivotal role in accessing the city.

Previous Department of Transport and Public Transport Victoria decisions have shown a total lack of understanding of the needs of bus users, and routes and timetables appear to have been drawn up by people who have never used public transport themselves, and have no idea of the topography of Geelong.

Apparently, the Department of Transport has recently undertaken a Central Geelong Bus Services and Capabilities Review. This would be news to bus users such as myself.

I have participated in every review of bus services in Geelong for many years. I can say that not one of these reviews has produced improved bus services for public transport users.

It is past time for all modes of transport in Geelong to be considered and planned under the one umbrella.

Jan Laidlaw, Newtown