National Bus Company adds 200 trips

The National Bus Company is to introduce new and revised services from Tuesday, 9 March 1999.

Commuters will save up to half an hour travelling time on some bus routes and there will be more than 200 additional trips per week, according to Victoria's Minister for Transport, Mr Robin Cooper.

The improvements include four new Eastern Freeway services that take advantage of the Eastern Freeway to Springvale Road extension.

"National Bus Company estimates that commuters will save up to 30 minutes in travelling time utilising the new service instead of their private vehicles.

"These new freeway services translate to an extra 220 trips to the city each week and offer residents in the suburbs and surrounding areas of Mitcham, Warrandyte, Blackburn, Box Hill and Templestowe a more efficient and reliable public transport service." the Minister said.

Other improvements include streamlining bus services in the Kew area via the Freeway at Chandler Highway and providing more connections to major shopping hubs such as Doncaster Shoppingtown, Eastland Shopping Centre and local shopping centres by boosting services in the Bulleen, Doncaster, Templestowe, Blackburn, Box Hill and Ringwood areas.

"National Bus Company is also improving school bus travel times in Balwyn, North Balwyn, Camberwell and Kew. A direct service to the front door of Melbourne University via Kew Junction and Bulleen from Doncaster Shoppingtown will also benefit university students."

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Transport, 17 February 1999)