Locals are renewing calls for a bus stop on a dangerous section of the Goulburn Valley Hwy to be moved.

The Strathmerton bus stop, which sits directly on the main road through town in a 60km/hr zone, is heavily trafficked by passing buses, cars and large trucks.

Commuter Steve Beardon uses the bus stop three to four times a week.

He said people aren’t using the stop - and hence the bus and coach service - because they don’t feel safe.

“I see people struggling, especially those with disabilities, first of all to stand here because it’s not safe, it’s a slippery muddy surface,” he said.

“It’s restricting peoples’ social lives, it’s restricting people going to the doctors, it’s restricting people visiting friends in neighbouring towns.

“It’s the bus stop from hell.”

Strathmerton local Kerry Murray said the bus stop was in a dangerous location.

“Say there’s a mum with young children. If they get off the bus here, and the kid takes off, they could be killed on the road,” she said.

The Courier understands that about six years ago, the community pushed to relocate both a nearby pedestrian crossing and the bus stop.

While they were able to get the crossing relocated, residents were unable to have the bus stop moved to a safer location.

Together, the residents are again calling on the government to relocate the bus stop to a nearby service road.

State member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe visited the site and said community members are concerned over the safety of the bus stop.

“I do feel really concerned standing here,” she said.

“Being on a major road, it’s a safety matter.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning said the Department is always looking at ways to improve public transport in regional communities and welcomes feedback on how services can be improved.

“Bus stop locations are assessed by our safety experts in consultation with the bus operator and council,” the spokesperson said.

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Saturday, 25th March 2023

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