Just extend the bloody train line instead of wasting more money!!!
That was my first reaction, only now I've looked into it I think it's a good thing. The train extension was never destined to happen for another 15 years or so (and don't think for a minute that lobbying will make a difference to the timing, because the South Morang extension is happening EXACTLY when it was planned, in spite of claims by the lobby group that they're responsible for it ).
This means that we get a quick and easy link to the railway station - they have these things in Brissie and they work really well. The bus lane thingie will run under intersecting streets, so no stopping at lights or getting held up in traffic, and they can run a bus every five minutes if need be. The rail extension may or may not happen in the future, but this is a viable alternative, and the bonus is, it will happen way sooner.
My only concern is placement of and access to the car parks. I suspect the one near us will be located on the small wedge of farmland that's left with access from Plenty Rd. That may mean yet another set of traffic lights or a roundabout... The alternative is worse: access through our tiny estate. No thanks.
I'm only sorry that it probably won't be done before my youngest finishes school. That would be three years of whingeing about the 1km walk to the bus stop (to catch the 572 to school) that I could avoid.
I agree, when I lived up in Brisbane I was a 10 minute walk from a major busway terminal. Those things are amazing! Buses just sped along and barely had to stop, I do agree with the busway idea. Mind you, the one in Brissy goes from the suburbs into the city - shame this couldn't happen for us
It probably won't affect me too much, as I have to be in the city by 7am I'd rather just drive to the station as I do now, but assuming it's done correctly it is a good idea.
Of course, I'd rather a train line out to Mernda, but we all know what the likelihood of that happening anytime soon is.