Today I was invited to speak at a transport workshop organised by the Women’s Learning Centre at Glen Park Community Centre at Bayswater North. The transport workshop included representatives from Invicta Bus Company, David Hodgett State Member for Kilsyth. Katie Goodrope Maroondah’s MetroAccess worker and myself, as a Councillor for Maroondah and Vice-President of the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA).

The workshop was held as an open discussion to allow the participants to discuss the transport issues facing them. Concerns included safety, the poor condition of Ringwood Station and the lack of frequent and readily available bus and train services.

Invicta Bus Company has worked closely with the community to provide bus services but ultimately the capacity of Invicta to deliver improvements is limited until the State Government improves the minimum service standards of Melbourne’s bus network.

Local government, like advocacy groups such as the PTUA, have a key role in holding the State Government accountable in delivering much needed improved public transport services across Maroondah and the outer suburbs of Melbourne.

Local government, however does have responsibility for the construction and maintenance of footpaths and this an area council is currently is examining through its draft Pedestrian Strategy. All trips, whether taken by cars or public transport, involve some form of walking and it is crucial that Maroondah’s footpath network is accessible and safe.