Should public have access to school buses?

State Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale, advised last week that expanded use of school buses in rural and regional Victoria is the focus of a new public inquiry seeking community input. 

The Legislative Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee is considering whether the wider public should have access to school buses, so they have more opportunity to travel. 

The inquiry will look at the transport disadvantages experienced by rural and regional Victorians, particularly youth, the elderly and low-income households. 

Evidence from other jurisdictions locally and overseas showing the impact of expanding the school bus system will be analysed by the Committee. 

Parents are encouraged to have their say as the inquiry considers any existing or potential barriers to allowing public access to the school bus network. 

Their input will help guide the inquiry, particularly in relation to important issues such as child safety. 

The cost of extending mainstream school buses to the general public and how a fare system would work will also be reviewed. 

Once submissions have been received, public hearings will be held to hear from witnesses and gauge people's views and experiences in rural and regional communities. 

Committee Chair, Enver Ergdon said the committee would like to hear from as many people as possible across the state to get a true picture of the transport limitations faced by rural and regional Victoria. 

”Their experiences will be important as we seek to understand how school buses could be used to get more people connected socially and economically.”

Ms Crugnale said the inquiry presented a great opportunity to community members to have their voice and ideas heard.

“I encourage everyone to consider putting in a submission so the Committee can get a true sense of the transport limitations that affect our regional and rural communities” she commented.

A final report is due to hand down by the inquiry before the end of the year. 

To make a submission visit the Committee's website:  https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eic-lc/article/4614