More coach services to Wang touted

Three V/Line coach services a day could be on the cards between Wangaratta and Bendigo if the state government follows a recommendation to improve transport services in regional Victoria. An infrastructure Victoria strategy calls on the state government to improve V/Line services by adding stops, extending existing routes and funding extra services to improve access to regional cities. “For many towns, V/Line coaches are the only public transport to regional cities, but they often do not run when and where people need them,” Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Dr Jonathan Spear said. “Communities on these routes need better access to jobs, education and healthcare. "Driving should not be their only option.” It recommends the government start by adding three services each day from Bendigo to Wangaratta (via Shepparton) and Wodonga to Kerang (via Shepparton), and six services each day from Geelong to Bendigo via Ballarat. Infrastructure Victoria also recommends the government make fare zones simpler. “The regional fare cap reduced prices for long distance trips to Melbourne, but it had little impact on shorter trips between regional cities and towns,” Dr Spear said. “Reducing the number of regional fare zones will help to lower the cost of these trips. "It simplifies fares and reinforces the regional fare cap by providing cheaper travel across regional Victoria.” Infrastructure Victoria reported that the government can deliver this when it rolls out the upgraded myki system in regional areas and pair these changes with off-peak fare discounts and service upgrades over time. “Off-peak discounts are a first step to improving Victoria’s public transport fares,” Dr Spear said. “This should include cheaper fares for buses at all times, which the government can implement after assessing the impact of off-peak fares.” Rural City of Wangaratta CEO Brendan McGrath said Infrastructure Victoria’s 2025–2055 strategy aligns with long-standing advocacy for improved transport options in regional Victoria. "The Victorian government has already taken steps on fares, with free travel for young people commencing early next year," he said. "Increased bus and train services remain a priority for our region; Cr Irene Grant and I recently met with the V/Line CEO to reinforce this need. "We strongly support measures that enhance public transport accessibility and affordability."

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