The Eastern Transport Coalition consists of Melbourne’s seven eastern councils and advocates for public transport improvements across Melbourne and the region.  The monster petition was formed to demonstrate community support for public transport improvements and was held at each of the member Councils, including Maroondah, where it was featured at last year’s Maroondah Festival.

This afternoon I accompanied Mayors and members of the Eastern Transport Coalition to formally present the petition to Martin Pakula, the Minster for Public Transport.  In addition, the petition was also accepted by Terry Mulder, the Shadow Minister for Transport, as well as Greg Barbers, the Greens spokesperson on public transport.

The petition calls for public transport improvements across Eastern Melbourne including:

• A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
• A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster,
• A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
• A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
• Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
• Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

Now that the petition has been presented, it is incumbent on all political parties to respond to the need for public transport improvements.  Residents across Melbourne’s eastern region are clearly calling on the State Government to deliver improvements to public transport, including an accessible and integrated transport interchange at Ringwood, as well as more frequent and more reliable services.