Media Release – Tuesday, 7 March 2006
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PTUA Southeast Branch Ready for Action

The inaugural meeting for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Southeast Branch was deemed an overwhelming success with local residents committed to the lobbying and advocating for better public transport.

“The inaugural meeting of the PTUA’s southeast branch received strong attendance and interest demonstrating that public transport is a key issue for Melbourne’s south east”, PTUA spokesman Alex Makin said. “The commitment demonstrated by residents was overwhelming with many residents eager to get involved.”

The PTUA Southeast Branch held its inaugural meeting on the 7th of March 2006 to provide a local voice for public transport advocates in Melbourne’s southeast.

“Despite being one of Melbourne’s fastest growing urban areas and designating Dandenong as a transit city the State Government has failed to provide adequate public transport for Melbourne’s south east”, Mr. Makin said. “Buses are far too infrequent and mostly do not operate during evenings and weekends and train services beyond Dandenong offer the worst service frequencies within Melbourne.”

The PTUA southeast branch priorities include the lobbying for more frequent and longer operating bus services and more frequent rail services during peak hours and for the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines. The construction of the much-needed station at Lyndhurst was also seen as a key and urgent priority.

“Melbourne’s southeast has missed out on safe, frequent and reliable public transport for far too long. Residents of Toorak and the inner city enjoy public transport through to midnight seven days a week. It is clear that Melbourne’s southeast deserves better”, Mr. Makin said.

“Bus services must receive an urgent funding boost to provide services seven days a week and train services beyond Dandenong must be improved. The new southeast branch will provide a local voice in the call for improved public transport”, Mr. Makin concluded.

The PTUA Southeast Branch will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month. For details contact the PTUA on 9650 7898.

About the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA):
Founded in 1976, the PTUA is the recognised consumer organisation representing passengers of public transport. The PTUA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with no political affiliation, which lobbies governments and public transport authorities in the interest of all users of public transport.

ALL MEDIA COMMENTS: ALEX MAKIN ON 0409 136 213
ENDS