The Andrews Labor Government will make it easier for Stawell, Horsham and Halls Gap locals to get to work, school and medical services thanks to a major boost in bus and local transport services.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today announced the introduction of a second daily return coach service between Halls Gap and Stawell starting early next year.
The new service will leave Halls Gap mid-morning and return mid-afternoon, providing residents and tourists with more travel options to get where they need to go.
Better bus services will be introduced as part of a new Horsham town bus network, to provide more coverage and access to key destinations.
The Labor Government will help people in Horsham, Kaniva and Edenhope get to medical appointments and social activities by providing $195,000 for a new accessible vehicle and extension of the Wimmera Community Transport pilot.
The new mini-bus will include a ramp to make it easier for people with a disability, prams or shopping trolley to board, and help the volunteer-run organisation to expand its services.
The pilot is part of the Labor Government’s Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, which provides funding for flexible and tailored transport trials, services and infrastructure. The Centre for Participation will contribute $55,000 towards the service.
Transport for Victoria will also undertake a review of the Stawell and Horsham town bus networks to improve future services, including extensive community consultation in 2019.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
"We’re getting on with the job of better connecting our communities and delivering better and more accessible services to get all Victorians where they need to go safer and sooner."
"We’re proud to back the Wimmera Community Transport pilot – helping people break down barriers to get out and about and access the services they rely on."
As noted by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
"We’re working with locals to make sure the proposed changes to Stawell and Horsham bus services are the right fit and deliver the best outcome for the community."
