We stand at a crossroads in our town's development, and it's time to rethink how we utilise our bus system. Public transportation isn't just a convenience; it's an essential lifeline for many in our community. Whether it's driven by environmental consciousness or necessity, the time has come for us to address the limitations of our current Sunbury Bus Network.

A decade ago, Sunbury was a different place—quainter, less congested, with fewer homes and estates. However, our bus system has remained relatively stagnant, unable to keep pace with our community's remarkable growth. It's time we adapt to this new reality.

Our current bus routes resemble the spokes of a wheel, all departing from the Sunbury Bus terminus and weaving their convoluted paths through pockets of our town before finally returning to Sunbury Station. This design, while perhaps straightforward on paper, presents a cumbersome puzzle for our residents to reach their destinations efficiently unless their journeys align perfectly with the existing routes.

Not only do these routes fail to cover all of Sunbury's expanding areas, but they also force passengers to interchange at Sunbury Station, resulting in layovers of 30 minutes or more for some journeys. This means that trips that should take 10 minutes by car can stretch to a daunting 50-70 minutes by bus. And that's one way; you must endure this process again on your return.

As Sunbury's epicenter of commerce and leisure spreads beyond the "Town Centre," it becomes increasingly challenging for residents and visitors to access vital services and destinations without resorting to driving. For those who choose or rely on public transport, reaching locations such as the Vineyard Road Medical Centre, Aldi, Jacksons Hill's Galaxy Land, or Riddell Garden Aged Care, just to name a few, without enduring marathon journeys is virtually impossible.

Even our nightlife spots are dispersing across town. Imagine the convenience of hopping on a single bus to enjoy dinner and drinks, knowing you're just a short ride away from home.

I propose a game-changing solution: The Sunbury Bus Loop.

Inspired by the resounding success of models like Melbourne's City Loop Train, City Circle Tram, and the Route 380 Ringwood Loop Bus, the innovative concept of the Sunbury Bus Loop is poised to revolutionize our town's transportation landscape. Spanning 38 kilometers and requiring just 58 minutes to complete a full loop, this visionary system would envelop the majority of our community within its comprehensive route, ensuring that no Sunbury resident is ever more than 30 minutes away from their desired destination along its path.

What truly sets this concept apart is its dual-clockwise and anticlockwise operation. Imagine this: if your journey takes you from Goonawarra to Sunbury Fields, you'd seamlessly opt for the anticlockwise route. Conversely, when you need to travel from Ashfield to Aldi, the clockwise route would be your choice, and then it's the reverse on your way back. This remarkable flexibility empowers you to plan your trips with unparalleled ease and convenience.

In Ringwood, the 380 bus runs from 5.37am until 10.45pm, providing excellent coverage for residents to enjoy their evenings. By implementing a similar loop-style system in Sunbury, we could reduce the number of cars on our roads, alleviating congestion and contributing to a more sustainable future.

It has been stated by The Hon Minister Carroll and Member Bull that a rethink of our bus network isn't necessary due to low ridership. However, it's crucial to recognize that our buses remain empty primarily because they are poorly designed and not user-friendly. While it may seem counterintuitive, a Sunbury Loop bus service would not cost the state government more to operate. Currently, we run approximately 8 buses every 40 minutes throughout Sunbury, with the smallest percentage of our community utilizing them. A Sunbury Loop-style bus, as described above, could operate with just at capacity 4 buses every hour—two running clockwise and two anticlockwise—ensuring a bus passes your nearest stop approximately every 15 minutes.

Together, we can transform this vision into a reality and revolutionize the way we navigate our growing town. Let us come together to create an efficient, user-friendly, and sustainable Sunbury Bus Network with the Sunbury Bus Loop. It is time to propel our community into a brighter, more connected future. The time for change is now.

You can check out the proposed route here - https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1uvDu6C4NY_C6IDU1M68SiKlMVPVbB9k&usp=sharing