The announcement that Sunday services will be provided on route 670, connecting Ringwood, Croydon, Chirnside Park and Lilydale is a victory for the Maroondah community and a victory for what was a key priority for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Outer East Branch.

The Maroondah Leader reported on the announcement of Sunday bus services along Maroondah Highway:

A NEW hourly Sunday bus service from Ringwood to Lilydale will provide much-needed public transport for the outer east, a lobby group says.

While further public transport improvements are definitely required, including the addition of evening services and more frequent hours of operation the announcement of Sunday bus services along Maroondah Highway is a genuine victory for the community.

Transport Minister Peter Batchelor last week announced a new bus route between Chirnside Park and Lilydale, and improvements to five other bus services in Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges.

Route 670 (Lilydale to Ringwood via Croydon and Chirnside Park Shopping Centre) will have a new hourly Sunday bus service between 8am and 5pm.

Myself, as a candidate for the Maroondah Council elections and organisations such as the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) will still continue in our endeavours to include bus services along Maroondah Highway, Canterbury Road and Wonga Road on the Principal Public Transport (PPTN). Inclusion on the PPTN will ensure that these vital bus links will be provided with frequent services operating from early morning to midnight seven days per week.

The Public Transport Users Association’s Alex Makin said it was a “victory for the community”.

“Funding for Sunday bus services along Maroondah Highway will finally provide services seven days per week along this major thoroughfare connecting Ringwood, Croydon, Chirnside Park and Lilydale. It has taken a lot of effort and required continued persistence but it finally appears that our dedication has provided results,” he said.

This announcement is just the beginning and advocacy will continue to secure further public transport improvements.

Sunday bus services along Maroondah Highway are expected to begin in early 2006.