Ms Kosky said the review would cover all towns in Latrobe City, with a focus on main population centres such as Traralgon, Moe, Morwell and Churchill.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve public transport in regional Victoria,” Ms Kosky said.

“In the last year we have improved bus services in 20 regional centres, providing an extra 1800 trips every week. And with petrol prices, bus services are an affordable option for all Victorians.”

Upper House Member for Eastern Victoria Matt Viney said the bus review would assess the effectiveness of bus services in meeting residents’ needs, by directly consulting with the local community.

“No one knows what people want from their local bus services better than the people who live and work in the area,” Mr Viney said.

“The feedback from the community will be used as the basis for improvements to local bus services, which could include longer hours of operation, more frequent services or extended routes, introducing new routes or restructuring existing ones, and improving linkages with connecting trains”, Mr Viney said.

“The Department of Transport (DOT) will conduct public workshops to discuss bus services with councils, residents and bus operators. DOT will also accept written submissions from individuals and groups,” Mr Viney said.

Ms Kosky said the review was part of the Brumby Government’s regional bus improvement program to boost local bus services.

“A review of town bus services in Sale is nearing completion, with improved services to be introduced later this year,” Ms Kosky said.

“We are working with V/Line and Wellington Shire to identify transport needs in the Wellington Shire, with a focus on the Sale and Traralgon corridor.

“Buses are an essential part of Victoria’s transport network and we are delivering improved services right across the state to make it easier to get to work, school, medical appointments, or just to visit family and friends.

“I encourage people who want to have their say on the make up of future bus services in Latrobe City to participate in the workshops or make a submission.”

Information on the Latrobe City bus service review will be published in local newspapers and at www.transport.vic.gov.au in the next few months.