bus lane removed, where's the priorities

It was disappointing to learn that the bus lane on Stud Road between Ferntree Gully and Kellets Road will be removed.

The removal of the lane was an election committment by the Bailleu government. This section of Stud Road has been identified as a critical section carrying higher traffic volumes than other sections of the road. VicRoads advises the reinstatement of the bus lane to general traffic will improve traffic flow and minimise the need for lane changes.

However what of the commuters who travel along Stud Road by bus? Well you can expect longer travel times and greater delays as buses are no longer a priority, it seems car is king again on this section of Stud Road.

To get people out of cars and on to public transport it has to be effective and efficient and that means that road based public transport needs priority treatment. I doubt the motorists will get to their destination any faster due to these changes however I'm certain that the commuters will be disadvantaged.

I will be taking up this issue, along with many others in the East of Melbourne, with the Minister for Public Transport and Roads, Terry Mulder, when I meet with him in my role as Chairperson of the Eastern Transport Coalition.