Martyrs Bus Services operations manager Peter Jennings with company driver Tim Forbes checked out the new timetable for the 683 Warburton to Chirnside Park Shopping Centre bus route last week.By Dion Teasdale
UPPER Yarra public transport users will benefit from improved bus services that commenced operation at the beginning of last week.
Improvements include additional daytime and evening services on the 683 Warburton to Chirnside Park Shopping Centre bus route.
There are two new weekday services from Woori Yallock to Chirnside Park (11.44am and 1.04pm), and two new services from Chirnside Park to Woori Yallock (11.05am and 12.25pm).
The route has also had additional evening services to Chirnside Park added to its Monday through to Saturday timetable.
Martyrs Bus Lines operations manager Peter Jennings said the additional services were the culmination of years of hard work.
“We have been campaigning for improvements for years and it is pleasing to see that we are getting strong support from local and State Governments,” he said.
Mr Jennings said the additional services, which commenced on Monday, 5 December, would provide better transport coverage for communities living along the Warburton Highway.
He also said continuing support for the services, which are permanent additions to the route, would give the bus company evidence to seek further service improvements.
The improvements to the 683 bus route are part of a raft of additions to public transport across the Shire of Yarra Ranges announced by Transport Minister Peter Batchelor in mid October.
Other improvements include a boost to the 685 Healesville to Lilydale bus service with improved frequency on Saturdays.
The service frequency has been doubled and travel on certain services has been extended from Healesville Sanctuary through to Chirnside Park.
There are now 20 services to and from Lilydale each Saturday, starting at Healesville at 7.10am and finishing at 10pm.
There are also now 10 services to and from Chirnside Park Shopping Centre on Saturday, including a departure at 9.15pm.
McKenzies Buses assistant general manager Brad Sanders said the improved Saturday services, which commenced on 3 December, had been well received.
“There has been a lot of outcry from the community for improved bus services and it is nice to see these being delivered and well supported,” he said.
“It is terrific to see our area being given new services and great that the State Government is spending money on public transport.”
