Community Shuttle Bus: A Vital Resource for Our Community

1. Purpose and Reliability
   The community shuttle bus, run by the council, is a reliable service designed to connect residents, it  provides on-demand transport. For instance, if a teenager wants to go to the library, which is about 1 km away, walking or biking may not be appealing—especially if they don’t own a bike. Parents can sometimes drive their children, but their schedules may not allow for that. Additionally, teenagers often want to assert their independence and may hesitate to ask for a ride. This distance can deter them from visiting the library, which isn’t good for their development or interests. If a shuttle bus were available, children could easily pay a small fee or have their parents cover the cost to get to the library, providing them with an enjoyable experience.
2. For young white-collar workers in the CBD or other office areas, commuting often involves taking the train to the city or elsewhere. Most don’t keep a car for just weekend activities. However, they sometimes want to visit places like gyms, spas, libraries, favorite restaurants, or meet local friends. These locations can be a bit far from where they live. Even though young professionals may earn good salaries, the cost of Uber / Taxi can deter them from going out.  
3. Support for Seniors. Seniors, whether retired or still working, share similar desires to socialize and visit places like restaurants, libraries, or community events. Many live on a fixed income, such as a pension, making transportation costs a concern. Phone calls cannot replace the joy of in-person interactions, like hugging a grandchild or meeting friends. A local resident recently reached out to me about the isolation many seniors face post-COVID, emphasizing their need for support and connection.
4. Personal Connection and Community
   I recall a healthy, vibrant couple in their 70s who were well-connected to the community. After the husband passed away, I noticed the wife becoming more isolated due to an injury that kept her homebound. Despite her struggles, she remained talkative and happy during our brief chats. This kind of human connection is essential; it brings joy and a sense of belonging.
5. Why Uber is Not a Good Choice
   Uber operates as a commercial service, charging commercial rates. In contrast, the community shuttle bus is not for profit, making it much more affordable. Additionally, Uber may not always be reliable, as it serves the entire Melbourne area. The shuttle bus, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the council area, ensuring consistent and dependable service.  
6.   Why the Current Bus System is Not Enough  
   The current community bus system primarily serves main roads, such as Patterson Road, and does not provide door-to-door service. The limited and inflexible schedule doesn’t cater to residents’ needs. In contrast, a community shuttle bus, determined by residents’ preferences, would offer the flexibility necessary to support their daily activities.
7. Costs of Car Ownership
   While many of us have owned cars, maintaining one is increasingly expensive due to registration fees, insurance, and repair costs. Many residents would prefer not to have the burden of car ownership when they have other financial responsibilities like education and mortgages.
8. Benefits for Local Businesses
   Local stores and restaurants would greatly benefit from increased foot traffic if a community shuttle bus operated. Business owners and staff would thrive with more customers, creating a vibrant local economy.
9. Environment The shuttle bus reduces the need for cars, which is a big plus for clean air, the environment, and climate change.
10. Community Harmony and Connectivity
    The community shuttle bus would serve as an invisible bridge, linking residents and encouraging engagement with local businesses and each other. The low cost of operating this service would yield tremendous benefits for the community.
11. The shuttle bus would operate on one button system. It is very easy to call shuttle service. There is an app you can download on your phone. You can hail the bus with the app and it will send your location to the driver. You only need to press the app once. The app is just a button icon. That’s why it called one button system.