Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition, Cr Mick Van De Vreede has welcomed the commitment by the ALP and Liberal Party to abolish Zone 3.

“The ETC is campaigning for a better transport system which has better buses, more rail, effective coordination and more people using it – the announcement to abolish Zone 3 shows that the politicians of all stripes are listening to us and the needs of our communities.

“Abolishing Zone 3 will reduce the cost of using public transport so it will satisfy our request to have more people using the public transport system.

“However this is only one part of what is needed to boost patronage; we need better buses, more rail and better co-ordination of services.

“This needs to be part of a wider package of improvements as it is an undeniable fact that cheaper farers will drive demand for public transport services, many of which do not currently exist in Zone 3.

“I would hate to see a flood of people queue up to use the system only to find inadequate services on offer.

“The ETC also still believes that a full review of the fare system and structure is required and if the Government and Opposition committed to that it would enable them to take the full advantage of the new electronic ticketing system due for implementation next year.

“While welcome, the abolishment may lead to further pressure on the Zone 2 – 1 boundary. We still need to fix that issue.

“Our recent survey of commuters at zone boundary stations, Huntingdale, Mitcham, Heatherdale and Sandown showed that commuters are driving further to get a cheaper fare.

“I look forward to more commitments from both sides of politics for better public transport in the east,” Cr Van De Vreede concluded.

The ETC is seven Councils in Melbourne’s east representing over 940,000 residents who are conducting a long term campaign to improve transport choices.

For more information please contact;

ETC Chairperson Cr Mick Van De Vreede 0438 029 932
CPR Communications, Robert Larocca 0409 198 350

Chair of the Eastern Transport Coalition, Cr Mick Van De Vreede has welcomed the launch of the Wellington Road SmartBus service by the State Government.

“The ETC is campaigning for a better transport system which has better buses, more rail, effective coordination and more people using it.

“The route 900 Smart Bus is part of the solution to our local transport needs as it will help local residents move about an area that doesn’t have decent rail access.

“We look forward to the other smart buses being rolled out and the improvements to our local bus services. Each improvement will make a huge different to residents ability to move around their local community without a car.

“It would be even better if the state could asses the need for and viability of a rail extension to Rowville and make the necessary plans for that to occur in the future. We will keep campaigning for that,” Cr Van De Vreede concluded

The ETC is seven Councils in Melbourne’s east representing over 940,000 residents who are conducting a long term campaign to improve transport choices.

For more information please contact;

ETC Chairperson Cr Mick Van De Vreede                      0438 029 932
CPR Communications, Robert Larocca                         0409 198 350