TRENTHAM commuters can rejoice at more frequent bus services which are largely thanks to the persistence of one young resident.
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William Morris has been campaigning for more bus services between Trentham and Kyneton for two years.
“Trentham is a growing town so I felt it needed to happen,” Mr Morris said.
Buses will operate between the two towns from Monday through to Saturday from April 1, with expanded services meaning buses will also operate for longer with two return services each day.
Buses will run for extended hours – 6.20am to 7.20pm on weekdays – meaning it will be possible for Trentham residents to commute to and from Melbourne on public transport with more flexibility, with the new bus timetable better in sync with V/Line trains.
It will also mean resident will have better access to Kyneton’s town centre, recreation and health services.
Mr Morris said he felt “rapt” and that it “was awesome” to achieve something for the greater benefit of his town. His advice for others wanting to lobby a politician for a project they wanted to see come to fruition was to be persistent.
“Don’t give up. Keep following what you believe in until you get it,” he said.
But he does not claim to have done it alone. Mr Morris thanked his fellow Trenthamites and local businesses for helping him to campaign and for supporting his idea.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas worked with Mr Morris, Hepburn Shire Council and Transport for Victoria to achieve the services.
“Will walked up and down the street and got people to sign his petition. Everyone got behind him because they know him,” Ms Thomas said. “He is an inspiration for young people.”
“It’s the story of persistence but it’s also the story of a small town and how a small town will get behind, and be part of, a great idea.”
Ms Thomas said it was vital for her to have community members on the ground to inform her of what communities wanted.
“It is really important for me and I think having people like Will in my community helps make me to be a much more effective member of Parliament,” she said.
The new timetable will be released on March 1.
