The Andrews Labor Government is making it easier for students at McKinnon Secondary College’s new East Campus to get to school, adding an extra bus service during the morning and afternoon peak.

A temporary back-up service will now become permanent to provide more public transport options on Route 626 Middle Brighton to Chadstone, accommodating students at the school’s new Year 8-9 campus. The change sees the service divert via East Boundary Road on school days to meet bell times.

After a successful temporary introduction, the service proved to ease pressure on the transport network and ensure all students, and other bus passengers, could board comfortably and easily.

It follows consultation with the school and operators, as well as a survey of 415 students, which found almost a third were catching both the 626 and back-up service.

The new service will operate between the existing bus stop on Thomas Street / McKinnon Road to the school, including a stop at McKinnon Station to provide smooth, ongoing transport connections.

It will run once in the morning school peak and twice in the afternoon – going back to the school once it has finished its first afternoon run. Between Route 626 and the new service, it means students will have the opportunity to catch two services in the morning and three in the afternoon.

Timetables and route maps will be provided to the school ahead of the service commencing Monday, 8 August.

Victoria’s Bus Plan is improving the state’s bus network to better meet demand, improve accessibility and performance, and deliver value for money.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We have listened to the school community and bus operator and worked to ensure this change will make it easier for the large number of students to travel to and from school each day.”

“An additional service not only meets the needs of the school community, but also other bus passengers, improving the comfort of everyone and getting them where they need to go.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The students at McKinnon Secondary College have made it clear they find catching the bus the most convenient option, which is why we’re ensuring they can easily get to and from class.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos

“This is a busy bus route which services hundreds of students each day, which is why it was important we listened to those who take this journey each day, to ensure the best outcome.”