The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for students in Melbourne’s west to catch the bus to school, with a brand-new service connecting them directly to Werribee Secondary College.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said the additional service will provide students living in the fast-growing Riverwalk Estate with a reliable public transport option for the first time.

The service will run in line with school bell times in both the morning and afternoon peaks, ensuring students can get to and from school, and is proposed to commence at the start of Term 2 2023.

Two new pairs of bus stops will be built in the Riverwalk Estate, on Alfred Road and Coldstream Avenue, and one existing stop will be upgraded for safety outside Werribee Secondary College.

It is part of the Labor Government’s $109 million investment announced in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and customer outcomes and to get students to school.

Residents in Wyndham are already benefitting from new and improved bus services connecting them to shops, train stations and other amenities.

The introduction of Routes 152 Tarneit – Williams Landing and 182 Werribee – Tarneit via Tarneit West in early October will provide new public transport coverage and connecting passengers to trains at Tarneit, Williams Landing and Werribee Stations, as well as Werribee Town Centre.

These services are all part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which outlines how the Labor Government will better meet demand and improve services across the state, while also delivering a modern, productive, environmentally sustainable bus network.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“Having dependable and consistent public transport options is vital in connecting students and other locals to their broader community – that is why we are providing a new alternative to these students for the first time.”

“This significant investment will improve local bus services in growth areas like Werribee, and ensure people get where they need to go, when they need to go.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“This new service is a significant win for the Werribee Secondary College community – giving students a convenient way to get to and from school.”

“New bus stops in the Riverwalk Estate and an upgrade at the school bus stop are terrific improvements that will be well used.”