An eastern suburb of Melbourne is setting the stage for what
could become a national movement to further promote scootering.
In response to the need to improve parking, promote public
transport and encourage use of commuter scooters, the Doncaster,
VIC Park and Ride facility has expanded and now offers four new
scooter bays.
Manningham Mayor Ron Kitchingham and Task Force Chairman Cr
Geoff Gough paid a visit to the Park and Ride last week to
officially launch the new spaces which now offer parking for up to
24 more two-wheeled machines.
Kitchingham and Gough welcomed commuters including staff from
Metro Honda in Ringwood, as well as Julio Languiller from John
Blair Honda in Prahran, and a number of other scooter riders who
came along to show their support.
The Park and Ride facilities were built to encourage people on
to public transport and to reduce pollution and traffic
congestion.
There are 200 park and ride facilities on public transport
routes around greater Melbourne, however only Doncaster caters for
motorcycles and scooters.
According to Resident Representative on the Manningham Park and
Ride Taskforce, Damien Codognotto, providing parking for
two-wheeled vehicles is part of the solution to pollution and
congestion problems.
"Commuter scooter parking is very cost-effective. The way of the
future is to use dead space and security rails as they do in
Melbourne's CBD, lockers for wet weather gear and helmets, and
solar charging like in London," he said.
"Most park and rides are on rail routes and capacities range
from 50 to 1000 cars but they fill fast, mostly with cars carrying
just one person."
"At least six scooters will fit in a single car bay, and this
could free up 20 car bays. Over the network this could mean a
significant reduction in exhaust emissions, traffic stress and
pressure on residential streets."
The new bays at Doncaster are joint initiative from the City of
Manningham and the Ventura National Bus Company.
The Doncaster Park and Ride is located on Doncaster Road by the
Eastern Freeway at High Street. Melway map 46, reference K 1.
Media Contact:
Lisa Evans, Public Relations Coordinator; Honda Australia (MPE) Mb:
0413 542 004; Ph: (03) 9270 1183
General Enquiries: (03) 9270 1111