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By Cr Tracey Bell
WHEN we talk about public transport, it's easy to focus on connections to Melbourne. But I think the biggest issue for many of our residents is much closer to home.
Can people get between the townships of Bass Coast? Can they get to work? Can they get to school? Can they get to appointments, shopping and community activities?
For many residents, the answer is not always yes.
In July, I had the opportunity to catch the bus to and from work in Cowes during the school holidays. Because I didn't have to co-ordinate around my son's school bus, it became a genuine transport option for me, and I have to say, I absolutely loved it. It was relaxing, convenient and meant one less car on the road.
But it also highlighted the challenge we face. If I had missed the 7.30am bus, the next service wasn't until around 11.30am. That's simply not practical for most people trying to get to work.
I don't think we need buses running every hour throughout the day. But some additional frequency during peak periods could make an enormous difference to people choosing public transport rather than feeling forced to drive.
When I work in Wonthaggi, though, it’s a different story. There’s a bus that can get me to work almost in time for my typical workday start time, but the bus to get home again leaves quite late and it’s just not feasible as a single mum.
I've also heard concerns from young people and their families. If Island kids want to spend time at the Shire's only youth centre in Wonthaggi after school, many have no practical way of getting home unless they leave immediately on the school bus. Opportunities that should be available to all young people become inaccessible because of transport.
For older residents living in communities such as Ventnor, Rhyll, Silverleaves and Smiths Beach, even getting into Cowes for shopping, appointments and services can be difficult without a car. I've heard from residents in Ventnor who would benefit enormously from being able to catch a bus, even if it were only to and from the main street in Cowes.
Cr Bell’s Motion at Wednesday’s council meeting calls for the council to advocate for improved public transport across Bass Coast. The motion was carried unanimously. It seeks:
- Increased bus services between the main townships and improved bus connections between settlements on Phillip Island and within Wonthaggi;
- Improved weekend and public holiday services;
- Additional early morning and evening services to support workers, students and visitors;
- Better integration between local bus services and metropolitan coach and rail connections;
- Improved accessibility and infrastructure at bus stops throughout the municipality;
- Investigation of innovative transport solutions, including on-demand transport services.
As our population ages, providing people with practical transport alternatives becomes increasingly important.
Transport is also a basic dignity issue. We've all seen school students standing in the rain during winter waiting for buses because there is no shelter at their stop.
At Walton Street, residents even installed their own chairs and rubbish bin to make the stop more usable. While that community spirit is admirable, it also highlights where our infrastructure is falling short.
Tourism is another area where the gaps become obvious. Visitors can catch public transport to Cowes but then discover there's no public transport connection to the Penguin Parade. For a destination of international significance, that feels like a glaring gap in our visitor experience.
Our Integrated Transport Strategy provides the roadmap of how people move around Bass Coast and what improvements can be made to better connect our communities. What we need now is stronger advocacy and genuine partnership from the Victorian Government to help deliver it.
Better public transport supports employment, education, tourism, independence for older residents, opportunities for young people and stronger connections between our communities.
Most importantly, it ensures that where you live, and whether you have access to a car, doesn't determine your ability to participate in community life.
May 20, 2026 - Catching the V/Line bus to the city can be a lottery. Here’s our chance to fix it.
Story was bus stop totally nothing to do with BCSC. As well as no seats, no shelter, not even any shade.