Use buses or lose

By Paul Pickering
THE Gembrook teenager who lobbied for improved public transport in the hills is now encouraging his peers to take advantage of the newly introduced services.
Michael Galea, a year nine student from Emerald Secondary College, last year tabled a 150-signature petition with the State Government calling for more frequent buses between Gembrook and Pakenham.
Michael was granted his wish in May this year when bus timetables were altered to include hourly stops extending until 9pm.
Another new service – route 695 – has also been added to run from Belgrave to Gembrook.
And while many hills residents are now reaping the rewards, Michael and the Cardinia Shire’s Ranges Ward councillor Ed Chatwin are urging more people to get on board.
They fear that the services will be scrapped if patronage does not increase.
“It’s been good to see more people taking the buses but we still need more,” Michael said.
Cr Chatwin’s mantra was even more concise.
“My message would be ‘use it or lose it’,” he said.
Cr Chatwin believes it would be a shame to see Michael’s hard work – in conjunction with the Gembrook Township Committee, Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato and the council – go to waste.
For more information about the new bus services, call Metlink on 131 638.
Timetables are available at www. metlinkmelbourne.com.au.