residents able to travel by bus for the first time.

Resident Joh Bauch said the new stops became effective last week and he was "quite surprised" to see something done so soon.

In March, the Weekly reported on a community campaign for more bus stops, with many elderly residents unable to walk two kilometres to the nearest pick-up point.

Mr Bauch said his elderly parents would no longer face a 45-minute walk to get to local shops.

"To actually see it, I'm really pleased ... I'm glad that they've done something about it," he said. "You live in the area and pay your rates and expect to see a bus service there." Mr Bauch believes the new stops will also benefit local traders.

"It's good for people to get out and visit local businesses so they can help stimulate the local economy."

Route 446 was introduced following a bus services review conducted last year. It linked Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook and Werribee for the first time.

However, it left emerging residential estates in Truganina off the map, prompting one resident to say it was practically an express route.

A Department of Transport spokesman said it always intended to provide bus services along Westmeadows Lane when local roads were completed.

"With the recent completion of the Morris Road bridge, and the installation of new bus stops, we are pleased that buses can now stop for passengers in Westmeadows Lane in Truganina."