The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Outer East Branch met for the second time tonight in our new venue at Box Hill.

Tonight’s meeting centred on the release of the PTUA’s five year plan and the alignment of our campaigns with this plan. As such the need for service improvements on the Dandenong line, more frequent rail services for the Belgrave and Lilydale lines (particularly beyond Ringwood), major service improvements to bus services and much needed tram and train services for Manningham will be the focus of the outer east branch as we enter 2006.

Saturday the 25th of November 2006 marks the date of the next State Election. The future of Melbourne will be dependent on improved public transport and mobility – it is imperative that action and not mere excuses is provided by the State Government.

The PTUA Outer East Branch with its new location in Box Hill and with an alignment consistent with the PTUA’s Five Year Plan is well positioned to advocate for vastly improved public transport in Melbourne’s outer east and beyond.

The PTUA Outer East Branch has already secured a number of achievements including:

• Sunday services along Maroondah Highway;
• The Ringwood to Frankston SmartBus;
• Upgraded bus services in Maroondah, Manningham, Yarra Ranges, Knox and Whitehorse;
• Red Orbital bus service along Warrigal Road;
• Wellington Road SmartBus;
• Feasibility studies into public transport improvements in Manningham.

The Outer East Branch has achieved these successes and more due to the dedicated work of its members. These successes however are just the beginning and a State Election Year is the perfect opportunity to secure further public transport improvements.

You can help by attending our branch meetings in Suite 2, 17 Carrington Road Box Hill. Beginning in February 2006 we will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm.