Premier Steve Bracks visits Berwick last week to announce a new bus service to Casey Hospital. Left to right is Eumemmerring MP Adem Somyurek, Narre Warren South Labor candidate Judith Graley, Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, Mr Bracks and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford.
A NEW local bus service has been announced to link patients and visitors from Berwick and Beaconsfield with Casey Hospital.
Last Thursday, Premier Steve Bracks toured the Kangan Drive facility and said a new bus route between The Chase and Berwick would be extended to include the hospital.
Mr Bracks said the new route, which is due to start operating in the next few months, would connect the growing community at The Chase with Beaconsfield and Berwick railway stations and provide a transport alternative for people visiting or working at Casey Hospital.
“The inclusion of the hospital on the new bus route will further improve the community’s ability to access this world-class health facility,” Mr Bracks said.
Mr Bracks said the service would run seven days a week and include evenings, with the timetable to be finalised by the Department of Infrastructure over coming months.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford has welcomed the State Government’s announcement.
“On behalf of the City of Casey, I would like to congratulate the Premier Steve Bracks on his commitment to improving public transport in our city,” Cr Bradford said.
“It is very pleasing that the State Government has listened and responded to council’s call to include Casey Hospital in bus routes.”
Cr Bradford said the City of Casey had been lobbying the State Government for about 15 months to secure a bus route to Casey Hospital.
“This issue was first raised by councillor Lorraine Wreford in council and since then the City of Casey has continued its efforts to highlight the importance of residents having adequate access to public transport to reach the hospital.
“The bus service stops out the front of the main entrance to the hospital and will enable patients, volunteers and carers to access the hospital without needing to rely on cars and taxis.”
Cr Wreford said she was very happy that the State Government had acknowledged the need for a bus service to the hospital.
But Cr Wreford said she would reserve her judgement until she saw how many buses there were and how often they would travel to the hospital.
She said she hoped the service would also help residents living in Casey’s south, such as Cranbourne residents, and those living in the city’s coastal villages to reach the hospital.
Detailed route and timetable information on the new service is available by calling Metlink on 131 638 or visiting www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.
