Victoria University Use of Public Transport by Larissa Werbiuk

Who likes public transport? NO ONE! Public transport in Melbourne is terrible compared to Japan or New York were their transport system is impeccable, frequent and actually runs on time - in Melbourne expect to be stuck waiting for a bus, train or tram for a lengthy time. I will give some leeway to trams, as they have a higher frequency, with wait time usually 5-15minutes depending which line and time of day. BUT, if you miss a train or bus, you are guaranteed waiting at least 20 minutes… who has time for that? NO ONE – especially in the winter season.

This leads me to be the voice of support for my fellow public transport users of Victoria University. To begin I will say one thing… I feel you! I feel you when I always see at least 15 people huddled around the unprotected bus shelter, praying for the bus to come. And I feel you even more, when transport users are late to tutorials, lectures AND exams, due to bus delays. Sure there’s the easy response from non-transport users… catch the earlier one! Nothing can be more frustrating than hearing this. Not every bus time links up with your connecting service, delaying the time getting from A to B. If it does come, usually it is going to be late, due to traffic, road works or the many stops the bus undertakes.

Victoria University has only two buses, with one (406) doing the bus loop from Footscray station to campus on Ballarat Road. Realistically, although it is not a long bus route, bus services are usually delayed, impacting the students from linking up with their further transport. A bus to and from campus usually runs every 20-30 minutes depending on the time of day. But, if another bus were to be introduced to the bus line, this would cut off at least 10 minutes of the waiting time, and will provide more seats for passengers. With a higher bus frequency, students will have more time to get to A to B, study and utilise their precious downtime to relax.

Looking upon other universities outside the city, such as Bundoora RMIT & Latrobe, each have a regular tram including bus service, were there wait time for buses is usually around 15 minutes. Victoria University need to pick up their act and place themselves in their student’s shoes… wasting unnecessary time. Student’s pay for a service to ride the bus, therefor, they should be given a service back. This could be a shorter time limit between buses, which by having another bus introduced will automatically solve the issue and also increase the chances of the bus arriving on time. There is a strong chance more students will choose Victoria University for their university of study, as when applying for universities, students look for the best means of traveling as well as what the university offers educationally. With higher access to transport, there is a higher probability students will be more open and willing to make the travel to Vic Uni.

So come on Victoria University, support and listen to your students especially with the colder months ahead, and consider the benefits of a quicker and more reliable bus service, if not only for students, for yourself as well.