Tonight’s Eastern Transport Coalition meeting focused on developing an action plan based upon the strategic direction established at the January meeting.

The major facet of this action plan, will be the hosting of a public transport summit later this year to explore the public transport issues faced within Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. While the State Government has invested in projects such as EastLink, it has failed to simultaneously invest in much needed public transport improvements.

Melbourne’s eastern suburbs need to be provided with transport choice, to ensure liveable communities that are able to provide economic, social and environmental sustainability. There is a stark contrast between road and public transport investment, with EastLink, consisting of 40km of new road construction, being completed within three years, while the Stud Road SmartBus, a mere upgrade of bus frequencies, operating spans and bus lanes, also required a three year timeframe.

Given that the State Government views SmartBus (a combination of bus priority treatments and service improvements) as a priority, it is surprising that a three year timeframe is required for their completion. It is clear that the State Government must drastically improve the speed in which it implements public transport improvements.

This year, with the much anticipated Eddington Inquiry into Melbourne’s transport needs, will determine the sincerity of the State Government’s commitment to public transport. The ETC will continue to hold the State Government accountable to ensure that public transport is a viable transport mode for Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.