The Eastern Transport Coalition has welcomed the fact that the Federal Government is now contributing to the funding of urban public transport but called on both Federal and State Government to consider a plan for the future that includes improved rail in the Melbourne’s east.

ETC Chairperson Cr Samantha Dunn said that the ETC had campaigned for Federal funding for urban public transport and was very pleased that it was now happening.

“Two years ago we commissioned a survey of 1000 voters in the outer east and found that 62% of respondents said it was not acceptable that the Federal Government provided funding for major roads but not for public transport infrastructure.

“We welcome the application of funding for the expansion of rail in the western suburbs and
the funds to plan the first stage of the Metro.

“Whilst this work goes on we would like serious consideration given to the extension of rail to Rowville, Doncaster as well as timelines established to plan for the increase of capacity on the Ringwood/Belgrave/Lilydale line. “Planning for the Metro must also include the segment of the project that would connect Domain with Caulfield as it will help provide the increase in capacity needed on the Dandenong line into the future.

“It is particularly disappointing that neither the Federal nor State Governments have ever given a reason why we can’t extend rail to Rowville via Monash University. The ETC made submissions to the Eddington Review, the Victorian Transport Plan and Infrastructure Australia and despite repeated commitments in previous years to conduct a proper feasibility study nothing has ever happened.

“The ETC will now consider what it can do to have rail to Rowville transparently assessed,” Cr Dunn concluded.

For media inquiries please contact;
ETC Chairperson Cr Samantha Dunn 0407 364 509
CPR Communications, Robert Larocca 0409 198 350

ETC Chairperson, Councillor Samantha Dunn has welcomed and endorsed a call by the Member of Legislative Council Brian Tee for bike parking facilities at the Doncaster Park and Ride.

Cr Dunn said that improved bike parking facilities was a great idea for the Doncaster Park and Ride and should also be considered at a number of train stations and interchanges across the eastern suburbs.

“We have seen firsthand the ramifications of the increased demand for public transport, overflowing car parks so its a great idea to give commuters the option of safely parking their bikes before they get on the train, tram or bus.

“If the state government are successful in delivering train like services with the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit service they will need more space for commuters to park.

“I hope the state government acts on Mr Tee’s request in Parliament yesterday and I encourage them to look further afield for other opportunities.

“The member councils in the ETC, Greater Dandenong, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Ranges will conduct an audit based on our on the ground knowledge and request more secure bike parking facilities” Cr Dunn concluded.

The Eastern Transport Coalition has welcomed the investment in buses made in the State Budget.

ETC Chairperson Cr Samantha Dunn has welcomed the commitment to implementing the Doncaster Area Rapid Transport (DART) project – as long as it delivers train like services.

“By providing $112.1 million the State Government has committed one third of the cost of the DART project and whilst we have always wanted a train line to Doncaster we welcome the investment, as long as commuters get train like service.

“Train like service means that the DART buses wouldn’t be stuck in traffic on Hoddle Street, unnecessarily stopped by traffic lights or passengers made to wait on street corners.

“We also welcome the commitment to extend the existing Yellow SmartBus 901 service from Ringwood to the Melbourne Airport as it will provide residents of the eastern suburbs an affordable way to get to the airport.

“The committal of funding for the long awaited and often promised Springvale Road grade separation will ultimately allow for improved train services and on road public transport.

“The ETC welcomes any increase in funding for public transport in the east, but believes that the improvements and extensions in rail are critical if we are to meet the public transport needs of the region over the next 25 years, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on cars.

“The ETC asked Infrastructure Australia to fund the extension of rail through Monash University to Rowville, rail to Doncaster and an increase in capacity of the Ringwood/Belgrave/Lilydale line.

“It’s also critical that both stages of the Metro be funded to allow for an increase in capacity on the Dandenong line.

“It would be great if the Federal Government funded any of these projects as that would provide the million plus residents of the outer east the generational step up in the provision of public transport that they deserve,” Cr Dunn concluded.

For media inquiries please contact;
ETC Chairperson Cr Samantha Dunn 0407 364 509
CPR Communications, Robert Larocca 0409 198 350