Single safety test needed for taxi and rideshare vehicles

Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton has asked the Minister for Public Transport to implement a single annual safety inspection standard for commercial passenger vehicles.

Fix and finish Murray Basin Rail: Barton

Delays and budget blowouts on the Murray Basin Rail Project are driving up costs for regional producers and pushing trucks onto our roads, and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton has asked the Transport Infrastructure Minister to clarify plans for the abandoned project, stressing the importance…

Barton secures school buses to Euroa

Education Minister James Merlino has agreed to keep school bus services running from Nagambie and Avenal to Euroa Secondary College. 

Safety must be a priority: Barton says stop touting now

Touting and unaccredited drivers in the commercial passenger vehicle industry are ticking time bombs that must be stopped says Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.

Bulleen businesses need a plan

Last week we toured businesses in the Bulleen Industrial Zone last week with Manningham Mayor Paula Piccinini  to hear concerns over the Environmental Effects Statement process and the current design, which proposes wiping out much of the business zone. 

“These small business owners are living in…

Include Rowville and Doncaster rail in infrastructure blitz

The benefits of Victoria’s infrastructure developments will outweigh the short term pain of road and public transport disruptions, but even more public transport projects need the green light according to Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton. 

Motorcycle trial extends to Eastern Freeway

Last month we wrote to Roads Minister Jaala Pulford asking that the successful motorcycles in bus lanes trial be extended to bus lanes on the Eastern Freeway.  We are very pleased to hear  that this trial will start today and will include sections of the Eastern Freeway and extend into Victoria Pa…

Bendigo community rallies for night shelter for homeless

Last night we visited the Bendigo Winter Night Shelter to experience the great service they offer the homeless in Bendigo – Rod is pictured with BWNS director Lachlan Weir and deputy director Terry Westaway.

UPDATE – Rowville Rail options

In April this year we asked the government for an update on Rowville Light Rail project. It’s been over a year since the Labor government announced $3 million for design and planning works for a train or rail extension between Caulfield and Rowville.

Action on touting needed now says Barton

A private members bill to stop touting and tighten safety flaws around commercial passenger vehicle registrations will be introduced by Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton when Parliament returns in August. 

UPDATE: Lawyers not needed at North East Link panel hearings says Minister

We received a response this week from the Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne following Mr Barton’s question in parliament regarding the need to get legal representation to present individual cases on the North East Link Environmental Effects hearings.

Rework the North East Link to save Bulleen businesses and 1200 jobs says MP

The cost of fairly compensating and relocating these business, plus the negative impact of removing a precinct that contributed over $132 million each year to the local community deserved more than the cursory mention in the Environmental Effects Statement. 

Victorian’s start paying tolls that pay for roads they don’t use

“When the tolling legislation passed parliament back in March I tried to get some concessions for public transport operators and for families driving dual cab utes, but the government said no,” said Mr Barton.

UPDATE – MCG access for commercial passenger vehicles

A solution to the ongoing saga of taxi and hire car access to the MCG during major events is a step close with Roads Minister Jaala Pulford promising to facilitate talks with Melbourne Cricket Clubn (MCC). 

Ozanam House a great boost for homelessness accommodation

“Bringing these services together into a single facility, which includes medical and support services, showers, meals and storage facilities is a great initiative that really addresses the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our city,” said Mr Barton.

Barton welcomes community input into regional road safety

Getting the community on board to tackle the growing number of accidents, serious injuries and lives lost on roads in regional Victoria is the best way to combat the problem says Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.

Trout stocking of community waterways

We met with Victorian Fisheries Authority this week and was impressed with the efforts going into encouraging fishing as a sport among young people. 

Jobs for disabled youth

We had a great meeting with the team at Connecting2Australia this week to learn about their programs for youth and adults with disabilities and disadvantage.