• HOME
• MEET MARY
  • About Mary
  • Maiden Speech
  • Photo Gallery
  • Mary's Video Clips
  • 
• ABOUT DONCASTER
  • The Electorate
  • Campaigns
  • Local Results
  • How Can I Help?
• MEDIA & SPEECHES
  • Portfolio Media
  • Portfolio Speeches
  • Doncaster Media
  • Doncaster Speeches
  • Mary in the Media
• GET INVOLVED
  • Volunteer
  • Join the Liberal Party
  • Enrol To Vote
• CONTACT
  • Mary's Office
  • Useful Links

Back to Previous Page...

Lobbying for Late Night Bus Services is Successful

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Lobbying for improved late night bus services by the Member for Doncaster, Mary Wooldridge, has paid off with the announcement of increased Nightrider bus services from Saturday.

“I have been calling on the Government to improve NightRider services since I was first elected so I’m delighted that the Government has finally listened and responded to resident concerns,” Ms Wooldridge said.

From Saturday, the Doncaster NightRider buses will leave Swanston St, between Collins and Flinders streets, every 30 minutes from 1.30am-4.30am on Saturdays, and every 30 minutes from 1.30am-5.30am on Sundays. This effectively doubles the frequency of services.

“Residents have complained for years that the current NightRider services are not sufficient for late night travellers,” Ms Wooldridge said. 

“Shortly after I was elected, I wrote to the Minister about both our public transport and the lack of public transport options late at night.

“The limited late night and off peak bus services were also key features of my submission to the Government earlier this year on its review of bus services covering the Manningham area.  

“Young people have frequently complained to me about the lack of public transport for getting home at night.  The only option for many is to take a taxi which adds substantially to the cost of an evening out.  Some have argued that friends have had to hang around the city until morning due to the lack of transport late at night. “ 

However Ms Wooldridge said that increased frequency of services is only part of the solution.  The Government also has to deliver a new route with sufficient stops to allow residents in Doncaster East and in Donvale to also access the service. 

“Travellers complain that the single Doncaster stop on the existing NightRider service means many residents are effectively stranded miles away from home.

“I hope the Government will now also consider other transport needs such as better school services, reducing overcrowding and providing better coverage, frequency and span of the bus network for Doncaster residents.”