More buses for Parkville Gardens

In a hard-fought win for Parkville Gardens, the Victorian Government has finally committed to increasing bus services for the former Athletes Village after concerted efforts from the community.

The pledge came in the form of a sparse statement in the 2021/2022 budget, released on May 20.

“Funding is provided to progress bus network reform and for the delivery of service changes and extensions across Victoria including … additional services between Moonee Ponds and Melbourne University,” the budget read.

For years, residents at Parkville Gardens have been fed up with the lack of public transport servicing the booming residential area, which adjoins CSL, the second biggest flu vaccine manufacturer in the world with more than 1500 employees.

Originally created to be the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village, Parkville Gardens is now a vibrant suburban area experiencing massive growth in people moving in and apartments being built.

In the Victorian Parliament in March, Greens Member for Brunswick Dr Tim Read said the only route out was through narrow Manningham St towards the city, with the 505 Parkville Gardens bus running once each hour with one additional service at each peak hour.

In a statement celebrating the improved services, Dr Read said he had raised the issue with the Transport Minister on multiple occasions, had it costed, and finally set up a petition to demand better transport which garnered 138 signatures from residents.

“Back in 2018 when I first met with the Parkville Gardens Residents’ Association (PGRA) I was dumbfounded at the lack of public transport services in this neighbourhood located so close to the city,” he said.

“I knew that it wouldn’t cost that Government much more to run a few more bus services during peak times, and that it would have a huge impact on this community,” he said. 

“Thanks to everyone for taking the time to add their voice to this important petition. Special congratulations to the PGRA for raising this with me and helping to share the petition with your neighbours.”
PGRA president Tom Knowles said it was time to spread the “good news”.

“Thanks to great advocacy from our local member, Tim Read MP, the government has allocated funding in the state budget for an improved bus service for Parkville Gardens,” Mr Knowles said. “That’s good news for us all.”

Route 505 currently services an area between Moonee Ponds, a major activity centre with a wide range of retail and medical services, as well as the University of Melbourne  •