BALLARAT’S bus network could undergo an overhaul to coincide with the completion of the Regional Rail Link Project.
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Public Transport Victoria is planning for an improved network and will be contacting local councils and bus operators to help refine the plan.
Committee for Ballarat chief executive John Kilgour wrote to Public Transport Victoria chief executive Mark Wild in April about the review, referring to works and changes to the bus network in Warrnambool.
The revamp of the Warrnambool network came into effect in January.
The planning on the Ballarat line was confirmed on Tuesday by PTV spokeswoman Helen Witton.
“PTV has begun preliminary planning to make improvements to the Ballarat bus network, with these changes planned to coincide with the upcoming early completion of the Regional Rail Link project.”
Mr Kilgour said he expected to see every aspect of Ballarat’s bus network up for review.
“It is all about the interconnectivity and moving people around the city,” he said.
“As we get a more reliable train service, we need to have bus services which are in line with those train services.”
However, Mr Kilgour said it was important planning was done to meet the early completion date of the Regional Rail Link Project.
“As Regional Rail Link is 12 months ahead of schedule, you would hope the planning is aligned with that revised completion date,” he said.
Ballarat’s expected population growth would also be need to be taken into account, according to Mr Kilgour, who said he would be inviting Mr Wild to one of the committee’s Fast Track Ballarat meetings to discuss some of the issues with bus services in Ballarat.
matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au