By Ewen McRae
More bus services will soon be running in Melton South and Rockbank.
The state government last week announced two new routes – 444 and 454 – and alterations to route 459 which include extending the route further north along Claret Ash Boulevard.
Route 444 will run seven days a week between the upgraded Rockbank station and Aintree, with services every 40 minutes, increasing to 30 minutes in the peak times.
Route 454 will run between Melton and the new Cobblebank station, with services every 40 minutes.
Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne said the services would help residents in the growing western suburbs get around easier.
“We’re making it easier for locals in our growing western suburbs to get where they need to go – whether it’s to the city, Ballarat or other places in the west,” Ms Horne said
The new service will help get students to schools within short walking distance of the route, including Staughton College, Al Iman College, St. Anthony’s Primary School and Melton South Primary School.
The new bus routes come on the back of the continuing upgrade to the Ballarat train line, which will allow for extra services during peak times, and trains every 40 minutes off-peak.
The upgrades will also allow for the future electrification of the Ballarat line from Melbourne to Melton.
The Cobblebank station, now under construction, will cater to the new suburbs around Melton’s south.
The new bus services and adjustments to route 459 will begin later this year. Maps and timetables will be released closer to the start date.
