New bus network proposed for Bendigo and Geelong

[Alex on the Bus]

(I'll post here rather than in Timetables as foregoing the rest of the thread wouldn't make much sense.)

I've done a bit of a summary of the frequencies for the new Geelong services:

Geelong & Bellarine Peninsula bus frequencies

The big change from the draft plan is a doubling of weekend services across services to the north and west of Geelong City, getting boosted from hourly to half-hourly - for many of these routes this is simply maintaining the status quo. South of the river routes 41 and 42 get a doubling of services during the week from the draft network but keep their hourly weekend intervals from the draft (apart from route 1).

Also of note is changes of operators on some routes. McHarry's hand over the old West Geelong line (now route 22) and, in return, gain the successors to the Newcomb (route 30), East Belmont (route 41) and Belmont and Highton (now route 42) lines. McHarry's have seemed to have kept to their old "who needs an actual clockface timetable" to scheduling, while CDC have (mainly) kept to memory intervals.

[burrumbus]

Many thanks for your summations of the proposed and actual Geelong changes,Alex.You have made understanding it very simple.

[Craig]

Looks like PTV are already responding to one of the more controversial changes, the significant reduction of buses between Lara & Corio Village. The former hourly 7 days a week buses are now limited to a mere handful of peak and shoulder-peak services, with weekend services dropped altogether.

A shopper wishing to travel into Corio is left with the option to arrive Corio Village at 09:36 to return home at 15:27. Otherwise they must travel via the 40 min train to North Shore and connect with another bus there.

Not only does this change isolate Lara from their nearest major shopping centre, but passengers could also continue on the same bus into Geelong City, supplementing the hourly train service on weekends.

Get involved and share your thoughts on bus travel between Lara and Corio Shopping Centre

Public Transport Victoria is holding a community information session to find out from customers how, when and why they want to travel between Lara and Corio Shopping Centre by bus.

You can drop in anytime during the session to discuss your bus travel needs with a PTV staff member.

Session time

The information session will be held on:
Thursday, 23 July 2015, 4pm – 6pm
Lara Community Centre
Waverley Rd, Lara VIC 3212

If you are unable to drop into the session, submit your feedback here or call 1800 800 007 (6am - midnight daily) to let us know your bus travel needs between Lara and the shopping centre.

We’d like to know:

• How often did you previously travel between Lara and Corio Shopping Centre by bus?
• What days did you travel? (For example, Monday, every weekday, or only weekends)
• If you travel on weekdays, what time did you travel to and from the Shopping Centre by bus?
• If you travelled on weekends, what time did you travel to and from the Shopping Centre by bus?
• Is accessing the shopping centre on weekdays or weekends most important to you?
• What is the purpose of your travel?

The feedback period will close on Friday, 31 July 2015.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

PTV is now conducting some further consulation on two minor route changes in Belmont & Newcomb...

Have your say on an additional bus loop for the Belmont bus network

An alteration is being proposed to the current bus service for residents in Belmont, Geelong.

The proposed route options can be viewed below and you can have your say by filling in the online survey.

Feedback on the proposed new bus service for Belmont will remain open until Monday 14 December 2015

The Proposal
An alteration to the existing bus service in the Belmont area is being proposed with two options for consideration to improve access for residents in Spring Street, Francis Street, Roslyn Road and Evans street to Belmont Shopping Centre on High Street.

The proposed alteration is being introduced to provide greater transport coverage and deliver a better public transport service for the community.

Two options have been proposed and are being put forward to the community for consideration.

Option A: Diverting Route 41 to operate a loop via Spring Street, Francis Street, Roslyn Road and Evans Street

Option B: Introducing a new twice daily ‘Shopper Service’ to Belmont Shopping Centre

Both Option A and B have been planned to provide improved access to public transport for residents along Spring Street, Francis Street, Roslyn Road and Evans Street, including the Uniting Church in Australia’s Kalkee Community.



Option A
> An alteration to the existing Route 41 service
Introducing an alteration to route of the existing Geelong Station to Deakin University service to incorporate a deviation loop off Torquay Road via Spring Street, Francis Street, Roslyn Road and Evans Street.
This route deviation would occur at off-peak times; arriving at Belmont shops at approximately 10.00am and 12noon, and leaving Belmont shops at approximately 11.00am, 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

Option B
> A new ‘Shopper Service’
Introduction of a new twice daily ‘Shopper Service’ along Spring Street, Francis Street, Roslyn Road and Evans Street down Corio St and High Street to Kmart Shopping Centre.
Morning return trip departs Kalkee Community on Francis Street at 9.30am and the return trip departs Kmart Shopping Centre at 11.15am. Afternoon return trip departs Kalkee at approximately 2.30pm and the return trip from Kmart Shopping Centre would depart at approximately 4.00pm.

How has local knowledge been incorporated and who did you consult with?
PTV receives regular feedback from customers asking for better access to public transport in this area. The main concern raised is providing more convenient access to public transport in the Belmont area, especially for residents at the Kalkee Community aged care residency on Francis Street.
We have consulted with the local bus operator, and we are now seeking direct community feedback.

Are any bus services being removed completely?
No. In Option A to amend the existing route, all existing services would remain.
In Option B a new Shopper Service would be added. The existing Route 40 service would be unaffected.

Have you decided where all of the bus stops will go?
With new services, there is the need for new stops to provide good community access to bus services within a reasonable walking distance. We aim to place bus stops approximately 400 metres apart and close to cross streets, community venues, schools and shopping precincts.
In determining the location of new bus stops, PTV must consider several factors, including:
> Whether there is adequate space for pedestrians and passengers to safely access the new bus stop;
> Whether buses can easily access the new bus stop;
> Whether the new bus stop location maintains adequate visibility and lines of sight for drivers and road users;
> Whether there is adequate space for the new bus stop to include all the design features required by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and the VicRoads Bus Stop Guidelines 2006.

What can my feedback influence?
PTV has two proposed route options for the community to select from.
We would also like to know about destinations that are important to you. It is not practicable to provide links to every destination and interchanging to other services may be necessary.
Let us know what connections are most important to you, for example, bus to train or between two bus services.
PTV will be assessing all feedback from the workshop and the online survey to determine which option is most suitable.

How to provide your feedback?
PTV want to know your thoughts and ideas on the proposed options for changes to the bus service in Belmont.
Your feedback is important to help us build a better public transport network.
Please provide your feedback by Monday 14 December? 2015 by:
> Attending our workshop on Monday 23 November;
> Filling out the online survey at ptv.vic.gov.au/getinvolved ; or
> By calling 1800 800 007 and letting the customer service team know you’d like to provide feedback about the proposed Keysborough South bus service.

How will residents be notified of the change?
Once the network is finalised, information will be available on the PTV website, via the call centre and on board buses. PTV will advertise in the local paper and promotional material will also be distributed to houses in the area.

Have your say on the proposed alterations to the existing Route 30 bus service for Newcomb

An alteration to the existing Route 30 bus service for Newcomb is being proposed to ensure the community have effective transport coverage.

There are two options being put forward to the community for consideration and feedback

You can view the proposed route options below.You can have your say by filling in the online survey.

Feedback on the proposed new bus service for Belmont will remain open until Monday 14 December 2015

The Proposal

An alteration to the existing Route 30 bus service as it passes through the Newcomb area is being proposed with two options for consideration and community feedback.

Proposed service alteration

An alteration to the existing Route 30 bus service through the Newcomb area is being proposed to ensure the area is provided with optimal transport coverage that best meets the needs of the local community.

Two options are being put forward to the community for consideration and feedback.
Option A: Rerouting the existing Route 30 service to operate via Boundary Road, Watsons Road, Wilson Road, Lucas Street, Neptune Avenue and Richard Street
Option B: Maintaining the existing route unchanged



Option A
> Rerouting the No 30
Rerouting the existing service to operate via Boundary Road, Watsons Road, Wilson Road, Lucas Street, Neptune Avenue and Richard Street. This route deviation would add three minutes on both inbound and outbound trips on Route 30 to the existing schedule.
This deviation would occur on all Route 30 services. There would be no other alteration to existing service provision. Services currently operate approximately 6am and 9pm weekdays, approximately 7.00am to 7pm Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.

Option B
> Maintaining the existing Route 30 service unchanged
The existing timetable and route would remain unchanged. Services currently operate approximately 6am and 9pm weekdays, approximately 7.00am to 7pm Saturdays and 9am to 6pm on Sundays.

How has local knowledge been incorporated and who did you consult with?
PTV receives regular feedback from customers asking for better access to public transport in this area. The main concern is optimising access to public transport coverage in this area and to ensure everyone in Newcomb has easy access to a regular bus service within as short a distance as possible from where they live.
We have consulted with the local bus operator on a possible amendment to the current route, and we are now seeking direct community feedback to see if this better meets the local community needs.

Are any bus services being removed completely?
No. If the alteration to the existing route is implemented it will extend current journey times across the route by three minutes but will not impact the number or frequency of services. However, if Option A is implemented, service will no longer be available on the Charles Street section of Wilson’s Road and most of Richard Street. Residents will need to walk to Portarlington Road, Watsons Road, Lucas Street or Bellarine Highway for bus services.

Have you decided where all of the bus stops will go?
With new services, there is the need for new stops to provide good community access to bus services within a reasonable walking distance. We aim to place bus stops approximately 400 metres apart and close to cross streets, community venues, schools and shopping precincts.
In determining the location of new bus stops, PTV must consider several factors, including:
> Whether there is adequate space for pedestrians and passengers to safely access the new bus stop;
> Whether buses can easily access the new bus stop;
> Whether the new bus stop location maintains adequate visibility and lines of sight for drivers and road users;
> Whether there is adequate space for the new bus stop to include all the design features required by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and the VicRoads Bus Stop Guidelines 2006.

What can my feedback influence?
PTV has two options for the community to select from. We will consider route suggestions, especially where they will not disadvantage others or increase costs.
Let us know what connections are most important to you, for example, bus to train or between two bus services.
PTV will be assessing all feedback from the workshop and the online survey to determine where we might need to alter the proposed service.

How to provide your feedback?
PTV want to know your thoughts and ideas on this proposed alteration to Route 30.
Your feedback is important to help us build a better public transport network.

Please provide your feedback by Monday 14 December 2015 by:
> Attending our workshop on Monday 23 November;
> Filling out the online survey at ptv.vic.gov.au/getinvolved;or
> By calling 1800 800 007 and letting the customer service team know you’d like to provide feedback about the proposed changes to the Route 30 bus service through Newcomb.

How will residents be notified of the change?
Once the network is finalised, information will be available on the PTV website, via the call centre and on board buses. PTV will advertise in the local paper and promotional material will also be distributed to houses in the area.

Route 17 previously covered Francis St in Belmont, while the old 58 did a loop through Newcombe for those along Watsons Rd.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

New bus network for Bendigo offers better connections and more direct routes
Added: 2 December 2015

Bendigo will get a new bus network from 31 January 2016, providing residents and visitors with more direct routes, better connections and bus services extended into new areas.

Improvements include a new and improved bus network for Spring Gully, Huntly, Eaglehawk, Jackass Flat and Epsom, along with adjusted route and timetable changes to other areas.

Key features of the new bus network include:

• Improved train and bus connections with more buses coordinated at Bendigo Station to meet trains departing for Melbourne in the morning, while in the afternoon and evening buses will have improved connections with trains arriving from Melbourne;
• Buses extended to new areas with a new cross town service operating from Huntly to Kangaroo Flat, plus a new service to Jackass Flat and expansion into growth areas in Strathfieldsaye and Huntly;
• More frequent services with bus services to and from the Eaglehawk town centre every 15 minutes on weekdays;
• Three buses to La Trobe University, including a new fast, direct and frequent bus from La Trobe University to Bendigo Station;
• Faster more frequent journey to the city from Strathfieldsaye;
• Buses every 30 or 60 minutes on most routes.

The changes being introduced follow extensive consultation with the local community and will complement City of Bendigo’s Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy and the review of train services to Melbourne as part of the Bendigo Metro Rail Project.

Additional consultation will also take place in early 2016 around upgrading services to the Junortoun area to ensure that as this area grows, public transport continues to adapt to meet the changing needs and growing demand of the local population.

The new timetables will take effect from Sunday, 31 January 2016.

For further information on the project, see A new bus network for Bendigo - http://ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/buses/a- ... r-bendigo/

.

A new, better bus network for Bendigo

Bendigo’s new bus network, will provide more frequent, coordinated and direct services to more places in Bendigo and surrounding areas.

The new network, which will start on 31 January 2016, delivers new and improved services for Spring Gully, Huntly, Eaglehawk, Jackass Flat and Epsom.

Key features will include:

• A new cross town service will run from Huntly to Kangaroo Flat, and a new route will run to Jackass Flat and service growth areas in Strathfieldsaye and Huntly.
• Buses will be better coordinated with trains, and three routes will run to La Trobe University, including a new fast, direct and frequent service from Bendigo Station.
• Buses will run every 30-60 minutes on most routes, but a more frequent service will run between Bendigo and Eaglehawk town centre every 15 minutes on weekdays.
• The new Bendigo bus network is the product of extensive community consultation, to ensure services meet the needs of local passengers now, and in the future.

Community consultation
PTV sought community feedback in December 2014. On 23 April 2015, Minister for Public Transport and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan announced that the second round of consultation on the Bendigo bus network will occur later in May following consultation on Bendigo Metro Rail. For more information see Bendigo Metro Rail.

Area by area summaries

Bendigo City
Bus Route 63 will provide a new fast and direct service to La Trobe University via Bendigo Station.

The new bus network will extend public transport to urban growth areas and provide an improved ‘premium’ service providing access between Bendigo Station and the university, and across town between Kangaroo Flat and Huntly.

Bendigo city will be serviced by 13 bus routes with most routes stopping at Bendigo Station and Mitchell Street bus interchange.

Bendigo Hospital once complete will also be serviced by four bus routes, with an easy interchange available at the Mitchell Street bus interchange or Bendigo Station.

La Trobe University
If you study or work at La Trobe University you’ll have a choice of three bus routes, reducing the need to drive. Bus Routes 62 and 61 will get you to the university from nearby suburbs such as Spring Gully, Strathdale and Kennington.

With these options, getting to and from the university will be easier than ever.

Eaglehawk
Bus Routes 51, 52 and 53 – Eaglehawk will have three bus routes, including two direct routes providing a faster journey to and from Bendigo City, and one neighbourhood route via Jackass Flat.

Bus services will run between Eaglehawk town centre and Bendigo Station approximately every 15 minutes on weekdays.

Huntly to Kangaroo Flat via Epsom and Golden Square
Bus Route 5, 50 and 55 – If you live in the Huntly to Kangaroo Flat corridor you’ll be within walking distance of new Bus Route 5 along the Midland Highway. This bus route will provide a frequent and direct service to jobs, shopping destinations and schools along the highway and into the city, so you can leave the car at home.

From Epsom you can take a Route 50 bus to Bendigo Hospital. Bus Route 55 to Kangaroo Flat via Kangaroo Flat West connects Kangaroo Flat with Lansell Square Shopping Centre and Bendigo city, with a stop at St John of God Hospital.

In Huntly, the new housing estate will have bus services for the first time, with bus services alternating between Waratah Rd housing and Midland Highway.

Spring Gully
Bus Routes 62 and 65. In Spring Gully you’ll have a choice of two bus routes; a direct Route 65 bus between Spring Gully and Bendigo Station and Route 62 Spring Gully to Bendigo Station via La Trobe University.

The direct bus Route 65 will be introduced on a trial basis, so making use of this service is encouraged. This bus will provide a direct journey to Bendigo Station. New bus Route 62 will connect you to key local destinations such as La Trobe University and Bendigo Station.

Journey times to La Trobe University will be as little as 10 minutes. Both routes will be reviewed after 12 months to determine the right service for Spring Gully.

Strathfieldsaye
Bus Route 70 – Will service the new housing areas in Strathfieldsaye and provide a semi-express journey into Bendigo. This route will also service Strath Village Shopping Centre and will make travelling into Bendigo and back a much faster journey.

Maiden Gully
Bus Route 54 – The Maiden Gully service will extend to the new Marist Brothers College during school times so students can get to and from school easily.

Jackass Flat
Bus Route 51 – In Jackass Flat your new bus services will take you to and from Eaglehawk Village, Bendigo Hospital and the city.

Strathdale/East Bendigo
Buses in Strathdale will continue to service the industrial precinct, Lloyd and Murphy Streets and then onto the City.

Golden Square
Bus Route 64 – The Golden Square route has been streamlined to operate via Quarry Hill.

Junortoun
Bus services are currently being reviewed which will include additional consultation in early 2016 around upgrading services to the Junortoun area to ensure that as this area grows, public transport continues to adapt to meet the growing demand of the local population.

General information

Why was a new bus network created for Bendigo?
PTV regularly reviews bus networks across Victoria to ensure they continue to meet community needs. Locally in Bendigo, work towards the City of Greater Bendigo’s Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy has helped inform the new bus network’s design.

These changes will complement new train services to be introduced as part of Bendigo Metro Rail and also with the completion of the Regional Rail Link project.

How was the proposed new bus network designed?
In designing the network PTV has:

• Looked at the public transport themes in the Bendigo Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy
• Researched the demographics and travel patterns of Bendigo residents
• Reviewed usage on the existing services
• Reviewed customer feedback as part of the first round of community consultation
• Worked closely with local Bendigo Transit bus operators, Christian’s Bus Company and Whitmore’s Strathfieldsaye Transit to develop the bus network.

PTV aimed to have most homes in urban Bendigo within 400 – 600 metres of a bus route. The changes will make public transport accessible and attractive to more people, however for some customers established travel plans will need to change.

Some routes on the network are less direct than others and these are called neighbourhood routes. Neighbourhood routes improve accessibility to public transport, however they are slower and less frequent. Typically neighbourhood routes are used where demand for public transport is lower than elsewhere, but where it’s still important to provide a service to assist with people’s mobility and access to transport.

How will buses coordinate with trains?
Bus timetables will coordinate with trains on many services. In the morning, inbound buses will coordinate with trains going to Melbourne. In the afternoon, outbound buses will coordinate with trains coming from Melbourne.

Will all buses coordinate with trains?
No – not all routes coordinate with trains because not all travel demand is to connect with the rail system. For example, in the morning while most people from suburban Bendigo are travelling to Bendigo, or by rail to Melbourne, services to La Trobe University operate in the other direction – taking people outbound from the city, suburbs and from stations to the university, because that’s where most people on those services are travelling.

Will school bus services be changing?
Generally no, school bus services will not change. However there are some existing school bus services that are duplicated by the new network, and where this occurs, a school bus may be substituted for a normal route service bus. Similarly some school bus times have changed slightly because of the new network’s timetable. PTV will work with schools to inform parents of any changes to school bus services.

Long term plan for Bendigo buses
Bendigo is a rapidly growing city, and in line with the aspirations in ITLUS, PTV will continue to pursue opportunities to improve Bendigo’s bus network.

Frequency of bus services
Most routes will operate every 30 or 60 minutes, however some services operate less frequently, while others operate more frequently. At certain places in Bendigo, such as Eaglehawk, more than one bus route will operate. PTV aims to offset departure times, so for example, two routes operating every 30 minutes can form a departure every 15 minutes from certain places on the network. We will provide the frequency of services per route soon.

Map
Download the Bendigo bus network map (PDF) 1.4MB - http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20 ... r-2015.pdf

For customers with accessibility requirements, information on routes will be provided soon.

Downloadable information handout
Download the Changes in your neighbourhood brochure (PDF) 551kb - http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV/PTV%20 ... r-2015.pdf

(With thanks to M.A.N. 16.242 for his tip off.)

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

PTV have announced that services on Route 10 between Lara and Corio Village will revert to the pre-June service level just in time for the summer school holidays. The upgraded timetable is yet to be published. This was the subject of consultation in July (see above). With changes elsewhere at the end of January, hopefully these service levels will be made permanent.

Extended services over summer between Lara Station and Corio shops
Added: 11 December 2015

Lara residents and visitors will have better access to shopping over the holiday period with the announcement today that from 20 December to 31 January 2016, Route 10 will get more frequent daytime services.

During this six week period, Route 10 between Lara Station and Corio Shopping centre will change from a single service during off peak, to hourly services in both directions between 9am and 4pm, seven days a week.

Currently no services run between Lara Station and the shopping centre on weekends and weekdays services operate only a single service in each direction during this off peak period.

All other services currently operating on Route 10 between 9am and 4pm run a part route service between Lara Station and Skylark Crescent in Lara.

The new weekend services from 20 December to 31 January between Lara Station and Corio Shopping centre, replaces the current part route service between the station and Magpie Crescent.

This increases the total number of services running inbound and outbound between the station and Corio shopping centre from nine to 19 on a weekdays, and from no weekend services directly linking the two destinations to 16 services on Saturdays and 15 on Sundays.

Times are not yet shown online however.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

A PDF on the "holiday shopping" timetable for Route 10 can be downloaded from the CDC Victoria website - http://cdcvictoria.com.au/images/pdf/ge ... -Corio.pdf

Journey plans indicating trips of over an hour today without the direct connection, showing the vital role it plays linking Lara to the nearest medium sized centre. With hourly trains, this pattern repeats.


Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

The new Bendigo timetables from 31 January are also online.

5 - Huntly - Kangaroo Flat via Bendigo Station - http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8561

50 - Bendigo Station - Epsom - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8569

51 - Bendigo Station - Eaglehawk via Jackass Flat - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8570

52 - Bendigo Station - Eaglehawk via Arnold St - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8574

53 - Bendigo Station - Eaglehawk via Eaglehawk Rd - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8571

54 - Bendigo Station - Maiden Gully - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8572

55 - Bendigo Station - Kangaroo Flat - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8573

60 - Bendigo Station - East Bendigo - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8563

61 - Bendigo Station - La Trobe University via Strathdale - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8564

62 - Bendigo Station - Spring Gully via La Trobe University - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8565

63 - Bendigo Station - La Trobe University - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8566

64 - Bendigo Station - Golden Square via Quarry Hill - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8567

65 - Bendigo Station - Spring Gully via Carpenter St - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8983

70 - Bendigo Station - Strathfieldsaye - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8568

With the exception of Whitmore's 70, Christians continue to operate the entire town network.

I note that like last year's changes in Ballarat and Geelong, Bendigo will move to the "minimum" standards public holiday pattern with the upgrade. At a first glance, I see the Friday night trips between Bendigo & Eaglehawk and Bendigo & Kangaroo Flat have been scrapped, which is disappointing.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

New timetables will be implemented various routes across Geelong from 1 February - note both CDC Geelong and McHarrys are working to a Monday to Sunday week unlike most operators. Minor changes unless stated.

1 - North Shore Station - Deakin University via Geelong City - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8594
New runtimes, over 10 minutes on most trips 7 days a week. Current timetable towards Deakin Uni vanished, so no comparison possible.

10 - Lara Station - Lara South - Corio SC - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8582
Permeant reinstatement of trips between Lara South & Corio Village 7 days a week, expanding on the current "holiday shopping" timetable introduced on 20 December. This includes some additional peak time trips. Interpeak services (between Lara South & Lara) however halved to hourly.
Appears that there will be no service to Corio Village on 31 January as "holiday shopping" timetable concludes the day before.

11 - Lara Station - Lara East - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8587
Interpeak services halved to hourly as result of Route 10 changes.

12 - Lara Station - Lara West - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/10839
Lara West loop updated, buses now travel via from Buckingham Rd via Grand Lakes Way, Westlakes Bvd, Eastlakes Bvd, Canterbury Rd West, Yoorok Dr, Eastlakes Bvd & Grand Lakes Way; instead of via Nankeen Av, Cape Barron Dr, Westlakes Bvd and Grand Lakes Way. This not only expands coverage into developing streets but also takes buses away from streets with community complaints during implementation of the new 12 in June.
Interpeak services now run to a 20-40-20-40 pattern, better harmonising with trains than the 30 min headway.
Last bus from Lara almost 30 mins later on weeknights at 20:08

22 - Geelong Station - North Shore Station via Anakie Rd - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8611
New runtimes, up to 10 minutes. Current timetable towards Deakin Uni vanished, so no comparison possible.

30 Geelong Station - Whittington via Newcomb - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8624
Proposed changes in Newcomb deferred for another time.

31 - Geelong Station - St Albans Park - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8627

32 Geelong Station - Leopold - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8579

40 Geelong Station - Deakin University via Breakwater - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8630

41 - Geelong Station - Deakin University via Grovedale - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/10846
Now travels via Bodega St to Waurn Ponds Station instead of Monterey Dr.
New PM school deviation via Oberon High School.
Proposed route changes in Belmont postponed to a later date.

42 - Geelong Station - Deakin University via South Valley Rd - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/10854
Now travels via Bodega St to Waurn Ponds Station instead of Monterey Dr.

50 - Geelong Station - Jan Juc via Marshall Station and Fischer St - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8645

51 - Geelong Station - Jan Juc via Marshall Station - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8648

55 - Geelong Station - Ocean Grove via Barwon Heads - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8651

56 - Geelong Station - Queenscliff via Ocean Grove - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8654

60 - Geelong Station - St Leonards via Portarlington - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8657

61 - Geelong Station - Drysdale via Clifton Springs - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8660

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

The "Channel Dress" of a news item for early 2016 changes has been given alterations once again, the order of news items revised, Geelong details sewn in and Bendigo changes chopped off for a separate article.

Timetable changes cross the Geelong bus and train network

From 1 February, there will be timetable changes across the Geelong bus network to enable better coordination with a new V/Line train timetable.

Timetables are now online, plan your journey.

Changes to bus services for Lara and Waurn Ponds from 1 February 2016

Residents in Lara and Waurn Ponds with benefit from improved reliability and more direct services to stations and better links to local destinations when changes to the bus services are introduced on 1 February 2016.

In Waurn Ponds, improved services on Routes 41 and 42 will provide more direct bus services between Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus and Waurn Ponds Station and targeted connections with V/Line train services on the Geelong line.

Improved reliability will be assisted by faster more direct routes with buses no longer stopping on Monterey Drive, and customers able to board from either Rossack Drive or Ghazeepore Road.

Route 41 Geelong Station to Deakin University via Grovedale, Waurn Ponds Station
Route 42 Geelong Station to Deakin University via South Valley Road, Waurn Ponds Station

In Lara, improved services on routes 10, 11 and 12 will offer customers greater choice with extension into new areas and more direct and frequent services to connecting rail services.

Changes to Lara services include:

Route 10 Lara – Corio via Lara South
Extended coverage to Corio Village Shopping Centre
Improved reliability with a revised timetable
Targeted connections with V/Line train services on the Geelong Line
Better frequency to Corio Village Shopping Centre with buses every 60 minutes during the day.

Route 11 Lara – Lara East
Improved punctuality with a revised timetable
Targeted connections with V/Line train services on the Geelong line

Route 12 Lara – Lara West
Extended coverage to Lara West with new services at Grand Lakes estate
Improved connections with V/Line train services on the Geelong Line
Improved reliability with a revised timetable

McHarrys have also written their own news item on the changes.

New Timetables
Effective Monday 1st February 2016

From Monday 1st of February, 2016, there will be a minor route change to routes 41 and 42, as well as timetable adjustments on almost all other services.

There are also a small number of school changes

Route 41 & 42 route change
From the above date, Route 41 - Geelong to Deakin University via Grovedale and Route 42 - Geelong to Deakin University via South Valley Rd will travel via Rosack Drive from Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre to and from Waurn Ponds Station. This will be a lot quicker and more direct. New bus stops will be installed near Ironbark St in Rossack Dr.

Geelong bus network map (PDF) - http://mcharrys.com.au/servicemaps/Geelong_2016_LAM.pdf
Bellarine Peninsula (including Torquay) bus network map (PDF) - http://mcharrys.com.au/servicemaps/Bell ... 15_LAM.pdf

New Timetables
To better cordinate with the new train timetable, and better allow for traffic conditions, the following services will have new timetables effective from the above date.

Route 30 - Geelong to Whittington via Newcomb - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_30.html
Route 31 - Geelong to St Albans Park via St Albans Rd - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_31.html
Route 32 - Geelong to Leopold - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_32.html
Route 40 - Geelong to Deakin University via Breakwater - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_40.html
Route 41 - Geelong to Deakin University via Grovedale - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_41.html
Route 42 - Geelong to Deakin University via South Valley Rd - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_42.html
Route 50 - Geelong to Jan Juc via Wombah Park - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_50.html
Route 51 - Geelong to Jan Juc via Torquay - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_51.html
Route 55 - Geelong to Ocean Grove via Barwon Heads - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_55.html
Route 56 - Geelong to Queenscliff via Ocean Grove - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_56.html
Route 60 - Geelong to St Leonards via Drysdale & Portarlington - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_60.html
Route 61 - Geelong to Drysdale via Leopold & Clifton Springs - http://mcharrys.com.au/services_61.html

Some CDC (03) 5240 5000 services will also change. Contact them for further information.

All other timetables will remain the same.

More details including timetables and maps are available at Public Transport Victoria.

In addition to this, there are a number of school bus changes will happen also. Details are below.

New Network Map in Google
Hover mouse over map until routes load. Move into street level as required. This map does not include our V/Line - Geelong to Apollo Bay via Great Ocean Road service, school services or CDC services.

See the above network map in new window - https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid ... V4QXwmgp38

Myki School Bus Changes - February 2016
The following school bus changes come into effect on Monday 1st February to coincide with the new timetables and new school year.

You can check this table to see if your school bus is changing (services are displayed in alpha/numerical order by Route Number/Desto Code). If you require further information about the change, search for your trip and refer to the pdf timetable and route map for the school trip code shown.

If your school trip/s is not shown in this table, there is no change.

C4 a.m. Leopold to Newcomb SC, Geelong HS & Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College Trip will run 5 minutes earlier commencing at 7:57 am
N6 a.m. Ocean Grove to SHC & St Joseph’s Trip will run 4 minutes earlier commencing at 7:46 am
N7 a.m. Ocean Grove to Sacred Heart College This trip will now do the Collendina – Ocean Grove Feeder before departing the Terrace and Hodgson St
N9 a.m. Collendina to Ocean Grove Feeder Route number will change to N7
N29 p.m.Sacred Heart to Bell Park Route will now service Waiora Ave and a small section of Vines Rd for Hamlyn Heights students
S2 a.m. Jan Juc & Torquay to Grovedale College & Oberon HS Trip will run 3 minutes earlier at 8:05 am
S6 a.m. Barwon Heads & Breamlea to Belmont Schools Route will start in Barwon Heads in Golf Links Rd
T2 p.m. Torquay College & St Therese to Jan Juc Trip will no longer travel via the Torquay Town Centre

If you require further information, please contact us by
Email info@mcharrys.com.au,
Phoning us on (03) 5223 2111 (7am to 5.30pm Mon-Fri),
Phoning Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 (6am to midnight),
By fax (03) 5221 4823,
In person at 6 Reeves Court, Breakwater (7am until 5.30pm Mon-Fri),
PO Box 273, Belmont 3216

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

New timetables will be implemented various routes across Geelong from 1 February - note both CDC Geelong and McHarrys are working to a Monday to Sunday week unlike most operators. Minor changes unless stated.

<SNIP>

10 - Lara Station - Lara South - Corio SC - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8582
Permeant reinstatement of trips between Lara South & Corio Village 7 days a week, expanding on the current "holiday shopping" timetable introduced on 20 December. This includes some additional peak time trips. Interpeak services (between Lara South & Lara) however halved to hourly.
Appears that there will be no service to Corio Village on 31 January as "holiday shopping" timetable concludes the day before.

The "Holiday Shopping Timetable" has been extended to include January 31, with references on the CDC website updated accordingly, including the downloadable PDF - http://cdcvictoria.com.au/images/pdf/ge ... -Corio.pdf



The timetable on the PTV website still shows the regular Sunday timetable.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

A late addition to the new Bendigo Bus Network that began this week was the creation of Route 71, a small town loop around part Strathfieldsaye. It was such a last minute decision that it is misisng from network maps and customer advice of the changes, and the timetable only appeared online this week.

A poorly patronised loop around the north-eastern part of town was cut from the Bendigo service, an area characterised by large semi-rural blocks, unlike other parts of Strathfieldsaye, which are full of suburban-style blocks developed over the last 15 years (and still growing).

Furthermore, the removal of the loop meant there were no longer buses serving Strathfield Primary School or St Francis of the Fields Primary School. Unlike high school students who can utilise Department of Education buses, primary school students previously caught the local 16 bus to/from school. Despite warnings from the operator, runtimes for the new route 70 to/from Bendigo do not allow time for deviations to both schools.

At the eleventh hour, PTV approved an extra bus to serve the schools and retain a token "shoppers" service around the loop. A lunchtime and Saturday service is included.

The timetable sees a 71 bus do a loop to meet the bus into Bendigo, then a second loop 20 mins later connecting off the arrival from Bendigo.

With Whitmore's two low floor buses now required to run the Bendigo 70 service with the doubling of peak frequencies, the spare bus, 8195AO ex Metro Tasmania MAN 10.180 HOCL, Ansair Tasmania is being used on weekdays to deliver the service. One would assume the Saturday service will be operated by 6695AO (M.A.N. 12.220, Custom CB30).

A mini-bus from Boort depot has been transferred as a spare should it be required (this week it is running a temporary "shadow" trip along 70)

A timetable for the 71 service can be found here - https://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/10920

I've already let PTV know about few issues with the website information including the fact the map is not shown on the route information page; the route doesn't come up in search results for 71; the journey planner is unable to find the timetabled connections at Strathfieldsaye Shops, some of which are up to 4 mins; and timetable template doesn't indicate public holiday services are provided.

Kind Regards


Craig

[burrumbus]

Thanks Craig for the info on this.Very interesting.Whitmores have done very nicely out of this trebling their peak vehicle requirement.Great news for a high quality small operator.Cheers.

[Comeng64]

8195AO was running the 71 today. It doesn't have Myki Equipment or a real desto.

[Craig]

New shuttle bus service for residents at Kalkee Community

Residents at the Kalkee retirement village in Belmont in Geelong will benefit from a new ‘shopper service’ shuttle bus route between Kalkee and Belmont Village Shopping Centre.

From 24 May 2016, bus Route 49 will depart from Kalkee and travel via High Street to the Belmont Village Shopping Centre in Belmont.

The fully accessible shopper service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays and normal myki fares will apply for the route.

The Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula bus networks will not be changed or impacted by this additional service and will continue to operate as usual.

Timetable - http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/11003

Two services operate in each direction with plenty of time to connect with a bus into Central Geelong should residents desire.

Kind Regards



Craig

[Craig]

New shuttle bus service for northern Bellarine Peninsula

Residents in the northern Bellarine Peninsula towns of St Leonards, Portarlington, Indented Head and Drysdale will benefit from a new route 60A shuttle service which will run between these towns and connect with Route 60 to Geelong.

There will be an extra five weekday shuttle services in each direction, from July 17, connecting passengers to and from Geelong Station.

Commuters will have two options to get to St Leonards – either by the Route 60 services that go directly to St Leonards, or by the new Route 60A shuttles that connect with Route 60 services at Drysdale.

The changes come following community consultation with local residents last year, which identified a need for a greater frequency of services.

it's not clear to me why passengers must change at Drysdale instead of running through-routed trips - the trip timings suggest a locally-based school bus could be covering the trips.

Kind Regards


Craig

[howlerbus]

At the moment the 60 trips that rerminate at Drysdale seem to return to Geelong as a 61 and vice versa, moving to the area in a week so will have a look

[howlerbus]

The 60A shuttles started today, I didnt get a photo but I saw a couple of 60A trips and are just operated by a regular modern low floor bus like other trips

[Mitch]

it's not clear to me why passengers must change at Drysdale instead of running through-routed trips - the trip timings suggest a locally-based school bus could be covering the trips.

Kind Regards


Craig

A lot of the morning/afternoon services in and out of Drysdale and the Bellarine Peninsula originate from school bus services out of Bellarine Secondary College. All of these school services are operated by route buses.

It's not uncommon to change services to go down to Clifton Springs. It's been that way for several years. The old 79 from St Leonards to Geelong used to divert through Leopold and Clifton Springs before running to Geelong or St Leonards, but those diversions were removed and the route was streamlined at least five years ago. These were the same services that would short-run to either Drysdale or Portarlington and not complete the full trip to St Leonards.

Thanks,
Mitchul

[howlerbus]

Usually, I have the option of getting the 61 from Clifton Springs to Geelong or to Drysdale then onto a 60 to Geelong a few mins later, this second option is actually a lot quicker as it avoids Leopold and potential bottlenecks from the roadworks that have just commenced on Bellarine Hwy at Gateway Plaza

[Craig]

Changes to Route 60 (Bendigo Station - East Bendigo via Strickland Road)

From Monday 3 October, Bus Route 60 will be re-routed in East Bendigo following community to provide customers with easier access to bus services.

Route changes - Crook Street
Route 60 will no longer travel a section of Lloyd Street and Crook Street between Crook and Beischer Street in East Bendigo.

Route 60 will instead operate along McIvor Highway and enter Beischer Street where it will continue to travel via the route path along Murphy Street and Strickland Road to Bendigo Station.

Route change - Piper Road
Route 60 will no longer travel along Wellsford Drive.

Route 60 will instead operate along McDowalls Road and via Victa Road and Piper Lane in East Bendigo, essentially performing a loop through this area.

The revised loop at East Bendigo will revert the route the former 9 service took past Bendigo AIrport.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

Picked up at PTV Hub at Bendigo Marketplace this week was a revised 54 timetable effective 15 March 2016.

The timetable now better indicates the bus travels through the Beckhams Rd terminus twice, before and after doing the 8 min loop of Maiden Gully. A new timepoint has been added at Rathbones La & Monsants Rd. The departure times back towards Bendigo have been moved 4 mins later to better reflect runtimes around this loop.

Additionally, 4 morning peak buses now travel via the loop at Maiden Gully before heading into Bendigo, as does the first bus on a Saturday.

The station unfortunately still has stock of the original 54 timetable.

Kind Regards


Craig

[Craig]

This only appeared on the PTV website this week...

Changes to Route 52 (Bendigo Station - Eaglehawk via Arnold Street)

From Monday, 3 October there will be a minor timetable adjustment on Route 52, which operates from Eaglehawk to Bendigo Station.

The existing 8:06 am service will now depart Victoria Street, Eaglehawk four minutes earlier at 8:02 am.
Intermediate stops on this service will also experience minor timetable changes to allow for the earlier departure time of the 8:06 am service.

The timetable change will improve reliability and allow the service to arrive at Bendigo Station at 8:32 am. This will improve connections to other services and also mean students connecting to the 8:38 am school special bus to Victory Christian College from Bendigo Station will be able to do so.

No other changes to the timetable will occur and all other services will continue to operate as the existing timetable.

The new timetable has yet to appear on the PTV website, at least it's not several minutes earlier, looks like a gap in communication somewhere.

Kind Regards


Craig