A local advocacy group is urging for an expansion of public school bus routes and services in the Point Cook area, highlighting the need for improved transportation options for students and families. The president of the Point Cook Action Group, Karthick Thanigaimani, emphasized that additional school buses could significantly alleviate traffic congestion and parking challenges experienced during peak hours.
Thanigaimani stated, “It would definitely help to reduce the peak hour traffic in the area, plus it would also avoid many parking related issues where people have to do drop-offs around the school.” He further noted that increased bus services would relieve parents of the burden of transporting their children to school, allowing students to learn to navigate public transport safely.
Currently, the state government provides several school bus services in Wyndham, connecting areas such as Werribee South and Wyndham Harbour to local schools, including Homestead Senior Secondary College and Alamanda K-9 College.
Government Response and Service Criteria
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport and Planning acknowledged the community’s demand for public school bus services. The spokesperson stated, “We operate dedicated school buses and route buses across the state, including in Wyndham, to get students to school. We regularly monitor our network and make improvements to meet changes in demand.”
The department has specific criteria for determining the provision of public buses for students. They may consider adjusting existing route buses during school hours to accommodate students who travel more than three kilometers to their zoned government schools, especially if the nearest bus stop is over 800 meters away.
This decision-making process typically arises when gaps in the public transport network are identified, or when current services do not facilitate easy travel for students. The department emphasizes that adjustments to bus services are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the availability of existing transport, costs, and the impact on students using the service to reach their nearest government school.
Community Impact
The potential increase in school bus services could have a profound impact on the Point Cook community. With many parents expressing concern about traffic congestion and safety during school drop-off times, a more robust bus system could also encourage students to become more independent in navigating their transportation options.
As discussions continue regarding the future of school bus services in the region, the Point Cook Action Group remains committed to advocating for the needs of local families. Increased public transport not only aims to ease logistical challenges but also seeks to foster a safer environment for students commuting to and from school.
