THE state Opposition has called on the government to speed up plans to introduce the SmartBus project.
Opposition transport spokesman Geoff Leigh said the State Government was expected to consider the future of SmartBus later this month, but that did not mean the future of the project was assured.
The project includes a number of initiatives, such as improvements to bus stops, accessibility and travel information, as well as extended services on weekends and at night, and improved connections with train services.
“We know that Cabinet will consider the future of SmartBus later this month and my information is that the Government is split on the issue of funding this project into the future,” Mr Leigh said.
“It’s time for the State Government to get on with delivering SmartBus before all public confidence in this worthy initiative is lost.”
Waverley Province Liberal MP Andrew Brideson said that even if the Government supported the program, commuters were unlikely to see any improvements to the service before March.
“The delays experienced by commuters in Monash in relation to SmartBus are totally unacceptable,” Mr Brideson said.
“The State Government has committed to extend the SmartBus program, and more than 12 months ago promised a 70% increase in services on routes 703 and 888.”
State Government spokesman Ben Hart said the Government was committed to the project.
“The previous government failed to start the SmartBus program and failed to properly fund it and we have done both,” Mr Hart said.
