Latrobe City Council hosted a visit from the Victorian Public Transport Ombudsman Simon McKenzie this week to discuss local public transport concerns and improvement opportunities.
The Ombudsman was introduced to Council's State Advocacy Campaign where Council intends to partner with State Government and other key bodies to review and improve public transport. Opportunities such as creating better timetable links and connectivity across the municipality were discussed.
A partnership would address accessibility concerns with the current availability of services and disruptions. This will also provide necessary access to jobs and education both across the municipality and for commuters.
This work supports the need for additional public transport to service the Commonwealth Games in 2026 as access will be vital to those involved in the games as well as visitors and the community for the long-term.
A roundtable with Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson and Chief Accessibility Advocate Tricia Malowney was also held on inclusive and safe access to transport later in the week.
Mayor of Latrobe City, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan was pleased to have these discussions and hoped to see them make a positive impact.
"Public transport that is easily accessible for our community and creates vital connections across our municipality is key to further improving the liveability of our City.
"There are many community members across Latrobe that rely on public transport to access essential services such as healthcare either within Latrobe or towards Melbourne. Services that are convenient, accessible and reliable are in demand locally.
"Council would like to thank the Public Transport Ombudsman for taking the time to visit the region and discuss opportunities. The local roundtable held this week also demonstrates the importance of public transport and our ability to collaborate on potential solutions," said the Mayor.
