PUBLIC transport use may be booming throughout Melbourne, but new figures reveal commuter numbers on train lines in the outer east have grown the least.
According to train operator Connex, public transport patronage along the Glen Waverley, Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein lines has grown 4per cent since 2004 - the lowest of all metropolitan train lines.
In comparison, metropolitan train trips rose by 12.7per cent in the past financial year.
Connex spokeswoman Lanie Harris said population growth was a key driver of public transport patronage growth.
"In the suburbs along the Glen Waverley, Belgrave, Lilydale and Alamein lines, the population growth rate has been measured at 0-0.9per cent," Ms Harris said.
"The 4per cent rail patronage growth on those lines, in fact, far exceeds population growth."
Public Transport Users Association spokesman Jeremy Lunn said that
"without frequent buses feeding into the railway lines", many residents in the outer east were left with no alternative but to drive.
Winston Tan
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