MORE than 180 people have signed a petition for a Hoppers Crossing bus stop, which was used by several disabled residents, to be re-installed.

Commuter Faye Heaslip and two of her friends doorknocked houses near the former Yandina Rd and Colac Court bus stop, to collect signatures.

Ms Heaslip, 61, said travellers were upset after their stop was taken out of the 442 bus route in April.

“It affected quite a few disabled people. I started the petition because it can be quite hard for other disabled people to stand up for things,” Ms Heaslip said.

The regular commuter, who has no sight in one eye and barely any in the other, said the nearest bus stop was now three blocks away.

“Disabled people at the other end of the loop now have to walk further, and through a park, to get to the stop,” Ms Heaslip said.

“That’s fine if you’re fit, but not if you’re disabled and find it hard to get around.

“They are not big blocks, but I find it hard when I’ve got my umbrella, handbag and all my shopping.

“By the time I get home, it’s exhausting. Sometimes I have to do two trips to get all my shopping.

“Before we just had to walk around the corner, it took a minute and it was excellent. Now I’m forced to take taxis, because I have a lot of medical appointments.

“Some weeks I have to take a taxi three times - and that’s a lot of money when you’re on a disability pension.”

Ms Heaslip attended a transport forum in Hoppers Crossing last week, where she raised the problem.

She said since the route was adjusted, the bus now waits at a stop in Hummingbird Blvd, Tarneit for about 15 minutes.

“It would only take about six minutes to go around our little loop and Virgilia Drive,” Ms Heaslip said.

However, officials at the transport forum said the bus needed to wait for 15 minutes, because the route had been expanded to cater for residences which have yet to be built.

“It’s very unfair if you’re planning for the future but taking existing services away,” Ms Heaslip said.

“The lady next-door is legally blind, the bus was the only way she could get out of the house, except for when her daughter takes her out.”