By Karen Poh
RESIDENTS opposed to new bus stop remain deadlocked with the Department of Transport over the suspended 415 bus service to Cobham St, Altona.
The Williamstown-Laverton route was redirected to incorporate Cobham St, Bell Avenue and Kookaburra St on 30 June, but was forced to return to its previous circuit just three days later after angry residents opposed to the move obstructed bus traffic by lining Cobham St with their cars in protest.
Negotiations are still under way, a spokesman for Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said.
“Route 415 buses are currently operating to their previous route while safety concerns around accessing residential streets are resolved,” he said.
“We would like to ask local residents for their cooperation while these safety and access issues are resolved.”
Opposition spokesman for public transport Terry Mulder said the fracas had left Ms Kosky with “egg on her face”.
He accused the Minister of failing to consult with local residents in the affected streets.
“Minister Kosky has now set a Victorian, and possibly a world, record for the shortest time that a new bus route operated, all because of her unwillingness to consult with local residents,” Mr Mulder said.
But Ms Kosky’s spokesman refuted Mr Mulder’s claims.
“Our recent improvements to bus services in Hobsons Bay have been based on thorough and extensive community consultation,” he said.
“As part of the Moonee Valley/Maribyrnong/Hobsons Bay bus review, Department of Transport officers and consultants engaged extensively with local residents, community groups, local councils and local bus operators to promote discussion and obtain feedback on the future of local bus services.
“Feedback was obtained via community workshops in each municipality, one-on-one consultation with council and bus operators, and a public submission process.
“Altogether, more than 170 people took part in the workshops and more than 40 submissions were received,” the spokesman said.
“Those consulted have told us they wanted more frequent bus services, better bus connections within suburbs, better bus connections to other suburbs and nearby transport hubs, and greater transport coverage in previously unserviced areas.
“We have responded with bus services improvements that address these issues while balancing the unique needs of local communities.”
