Residents of St Arnaud, Navarre, Landsborough, Paradise, Ararat and Stawell now have even better access to services and other communities with the launch of a new Brumby Labor Government-funded trial bus service. Launching the trial service in St Arnaud today, Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said the service would run every Tuesday for the next 18 months. “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action now to improve access to public transport to communities across Victoria through initiatives such as the Transport Connections program,” Ms Broad said. “The Government provided $25,000 to the Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Connections to run the service that will give local people better access to the regional centres of St Arnaud, Ararat and Stawell. “The weekly service between St Arnaud and Stawell, via Ararat, will allow people to get to the shops, medical and social opportunities more easily. “By _link_ing with other V/Line services, passengers will also have easier access to trains to Melbourne, bus services to other regional centres and the urban bus systems of the larger towns. “Using a Swan Hill Bus Lines school bus that would usually sit idle during the day, passengers can take the 240 kilometre round-trip for no more than $23.20, and even less for concession holders or people only travelling part of the route. “I encourage local residents to get behind the trial and make it a huge success,” Ms Broad said. Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the Brumby Labor Government had committed a further $80 million to continue Transport Connections across the state. “The Transport Connections program makes a positive impact on communities, because access to local transport is a key factor in people being happy with where they choose to live,” Mr Batchelor said. “This is a great example of the Government working with local residents to plan and deliver innovative local solutions that improve transport in their community.” Ti_meta_bles are available at www.grampianspyrenees.com.au or at the St Arnaud Travel Centre, St Arnaud Resource Centre, Jennifer J’s, Northern Grampians Shire Council offices, Navarre General Store, Landsborough General Store and the Landsborough Community Centre. The bus leaves St Arnaud Market Square at 9am, arriving at Stawell at 10.55am, and makes the return journey from Stawell at 1.15pm, arriving back in St Arnaud at 3.05pm. Bookings are essential. Phone the St Arnaud V/Line agency on 5495 1560 or the St Arnaud Travel Centre on 5495 2294. For more information about Grampians Pyrenees Flexible Transport Connections, phone Robyn Hemley on 0427 051 562 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it