Maroondah Journal: Drive is on for major boost to trains, buses

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 28th of July, 2009

The Eastern Transport Coalition’s “monster petition” was launched this morning at Monash University. The petition has six key requests calling the State Government to improve public transport infrastructure across the region:

1. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Rowville,
2. A full and public feasibility study for a heavy rail line to Doncaster,
3. A greater commitment to the extension of the Metro rail tunnel from Domain to Caulfield,
4. A full and public feasibility study for an increase in capacity on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley lines,
5. Improved facilities for passengers, particularly at interchanges located in central activity districts – Ringwood, Dandenong and Box Hill,
6. Fully accessible public transport facilities and vehicles

Maroondah Council’s representative on the coalition, Cr Alex Makin, called on the Government to finish the Ringwood Station upgrade.

These requests include the much needed upgrade of Ringwood Station to ensure that Ringwood is provided with a safe, accessible and easy to access transport interchange.

“The State Government through its budget has committed $39million towards an upgrade of the Ringwood central activities district but that funding excludes the physical station itself.

While the State Government has committed funding for the Ringwood bus interchange and station forecourt, works to the station itself are currently not part of this project scope.

“Ringwood railway station currently fails disability compliance standards because its ramps are narrow and very hard to access. It’s also difficult to access for mums with prams and students with heavy backpacks.”

The Monster Petition will be spending a month at each member council and will visit Maroondah during November.

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