The Andrews Labor Government is planning better bus services for Warragul and Drouin, and locals are being invited to have their say.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria announced today that consultation will begin next month on a new, improved bus network for these growing Gippsland towns.

Information, maps and a consultation hub are now available online, and drop-in sessions will be held in late June, to provide information and gather feedback directly from locals.

This feedback will inform the design of the new bus networks, so they meet the changing needs passengers in Warragul and Drouin.

The proposed networks build on a previous proposal for bus services that were never implemented by the former Government.

The new networks reflect the input of locals during Regional Network Development Plan workshops held last year. They provide more frequent, reliable services that start earlier, end later and better service growing areas.

The start of consultation comes just days after the release of the Regional Network Development Plan – Victoria’s first long-term strategy for better regional public transport.

It sets out a range of long-term improvements to public transport in Gippsland, underpinned by significant investment in last month’s State Budget, including new trains, more services, and improvements to local stations and bus infrastructure.

Consultation on a new bus network for the La Trobe Valley, will also begin late next month. For more information and to have your say, visit ptv.vic.gov.au/getinvolved.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“Warragul and Drouin are booming and their bus services need to grow and change as their community does.”

“The upcoming consultation is a chance for locals to have their say on the services they use every day, and help change them for the better.”

“Better buses for Warragul and Drouin are a crucial part of better public transport, as set out in the Regional Network Development Plan released this week, and since the last review in 2010 demand has changed and grown.”

“We’re investing in better trains, buses and coaches now, and planning for services in the future, so people in Gippsland spend less time in transit and more time with family and friends.”