New bus route 390 is providing vital local transport for people living in Mernda and Wollert, connecting them to train services at Craigieburn and Mernda stations.
Wollert resident Purbasha recently moved to the area and commutes to work at a bank in the CBD. She is pleased that, since the introduction of route 390, she no longer has to drive to Craigieburn Station to catch the train to the city.
"I much prefer catching the bus and not having to deal with parking issues, especially with the carparks getting busier now COVID restrictions have lifted and people are returning to the office," she said.
The new service makes it easier for Kalpana, a second-year nursing student, to travel from her home in Mernda to Craigieburn station, where she catches the train to Pascoe Vale for her work placement at a rehabilitation centre.
"The 390 is better for me and makes my trip quicker," she said. The new route is more direct than the one she previously took, saving her time.
As well as getting passengers to train stations, the 390 also enables local residents, like 17-year-old Faisal, to easily access shops and services.
Faisal catches the 390 bus to the Mernda retail precinct to get to his gym. He is happy not to have to rely on family or friends to drive him around.
Passengers on route 390 can also connect with bus services at Craigieburn Station to travel to other destinations, such as Craigieburn Central shopping centre.
Students at Mernda Central College and Gilson College benefit from the new route too. It enables them to get to and from school independently, and to access the industry training and work placements that are part of their vocational learning programs such as VET, VCAL and apprenticeships.
Route 390 began operating on 31 October 2021 and departs from the Mernda Station bus interchange, terminating at a new stop on Potter Street at Craigieburn Station. Services run seven days a week, every 30 minutes during weekday peak periods and every 40 minutes off-peak and on weekends.
