Residents from Marnoo, Callawadda and Campbell’s Bridge are celebrating the launch of the region’s first cost-effective return bus service to Stawell each Friday.

The six-month trial bus service is being funded by the State Government Transport Connections Program’s Flexible Transport Fund, following an application by the Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Project.

Project coordinator Robyn Hemley said a diverse cross-section of people who did not drive supported a trial bus link to Stawell.

“Young people in particular indicated they’d like public transport access for social or recreational purposes, particularly during the school holidays when mum or dad might be working,” Ms Hemley said

“We hope the communities along the route will really get behind the trial and help us create a sustainable bus service for the future,” she said.

“Above all, we hope this transport connection will reduce any feelings of isolation for these communities and expose them to new and exciting opportunities.”

Ms Hemley said a timetable would link with the Stawell to Ararat V/Line coach service.

“Although there are limited bus stops at this stage, we hope that they’ve been well positioned for easy access,” she said.

“The timetable allows passengers to spend three hours in Stawell and just under two hours in Ararat.”

Ms Hemley said the new service was separate to a St Arnaud to Stawell bus which ran each Tuesday via Navarre, Landsborough, Crowlands and Ararat.

Extension

The Ararat to Maryborough return bus service will be on trial for a further six months under a revamped timetable, offering a weekend bus service to support social and recreational activities.

Launched in January this year, the trial was funded by the Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Connections but has secured State Government funding to continue.

Ms Hemley said the funding coup was ‘wonderful news’ for the Pyrenees community.

“This return service, which operates both morning and afternoon from each town, has so far proven very valuable to residents living along the Pyrenees Highway corridor,” she said.

Information

For more information about regional bus trials, phone Ms Hemley on 0427 051 562 or visit grampianspyrenees.com and go to ‘Transport Connections’.