Clarke for transport

I AM an independent candidate for the Lyster Ward by-election and I am standing for many improvements to our community.
I have found the big issue that has wide popular support is bus services.
While this is more of a state issue, our local region suffers badly from poor bus services and I believe that we must act strongly and quickly on all levels to get this issue resolved.
It is a scandal that we pay hundreds of millions of dollars for bus services that are hardly used outside school peak times.
Every time one of those 40-seater Ventura buses passes you by, take a look inside and see if anyone is on them.
They are paid for the kilometres they travel and have no incentive to improve the patronage.
Bus drivers have told me that fare avoidance is close to 100 per cent.
This means that there is hardly any income received for bus services.
I have a plan that has been well received by all I’ve spoken with through my local campaigning over the last eight months.
That is to replace these larger 40-seat buses with 10-seater buses that run every 10 minutes between centres, in both directions, one each way.
Each centre will be linked by another pair of buses that also go each way.
This will provide a matrix of links to each of the towns in the Dandenongs, enabling travellers to go anywhere.
The cost model is easily explained: $1 per ride with 10 services per hour (2x5trips) and 10 people on each of these buses will earn $100 per hour.
The wages for two drivers would be $40 an hour for each and the remaining $20 per hour is for fuel, maintenance and capital depreciation.
Eventually fuel should evolve into electric hybrid vehicles; these are currently available. It would mean the establishment of solar powered battery charging stations, which is infrastructure needed for the electric cars of the future.
These smaller buses can support the following needs:
* Public transport everywhere and at all hours;
* Tourism that can bring anyone from Melbourne by train and buses to help boost our small businesses without creating car congestion and parking problems;
* Ecotourism with onboard video and guides promoting appreciation of our magnificent environment;
* A dial-a-bus service for those who cannot easily get to the bus stops; and
* Emergency evacuation off the mountain when threats like fire occur.
I will work hard to deliver this plan with the broad community support I’ve received.
Mike Clarke,
Lyster candidate.