The Victorian Government has today announced proposed upgrades to the Yarra Valley bus network to deliver more frequent, direct and reliable services for passengers.
Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll said route changes and additional services will commence later this year, following consultation with local councils and communities.
He said the changes were designed to better connect locals to employment, education and shops – and forms part of the State Government’s Bus Plan.
“We’re improving the Yarra Valley bus network, with more direct and higher frequency services to make catching the bus a better option for locals travelling to employment, education, shops, healthcare and other transport modes,” said Minister Carroll.
Under the proposed changes, Route 685 will be upgraded to link Healesville, Healesville Sanctuary, Badger Creek, Coldstream and Yarra Glen and will become the primary public transport connection to Lilydale Station. Services will increase on this route to a 40-minute frequency on weekdays and Saturdays, and a 60-minute frequency on Sundays, with more evening services added.
Route 686 Healesville to Badger Creek will be replaced by the extended route 685 which will provide a consistent service to Badger Creek area. In response to low patronage Route 687 Healesville to Chum Creek will be discontinued, the Minister confirmed.
Route 684 from Eildon willterminate at Lilydale Station allowing passengersto connect to train services to complete their journey to the city. In response to community feedback through the consultation process, the service will extend to Ringwood Station instead of Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, providing additional transport and shopping connections.
The service will also wait for up to 20 minutes at Ringwood Station for late running trains, ensuring Eildon passengers do not miss their connection.
“We’ve listened to the community and the upgrades to the Yarra Valley bus network will give locals more options about when they travel and get them where they need to go,” said Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh.
Victoria’s Bus Plan sets out how the Victorian Government will increase the number of people choosing to take the bus by delivering higher frequency, direct bus routes.
