- Minister for Public Transport
Passengers in Aintree, Melton South and Rockbank are a step closer to having two new bus routes and improved bus services with a contract being awarded and services to start later this year.
The Andrews Labor Government will invest in two new bus routes – Routes 444 and 454 – that will be run by Sita Bus Lines, while also making alterations to Route 459 including extending the route further north along Claret Ash Boulevard.
Route 444 will run between the upgraded Rockbank Station, which opened earlier this week and Aintree, linking people in Melbourne’s growing west with trains at the new Rockbank Station and giving them more options to get to work and school with services every 40 minutes, seven days a week increasing to 30 minutes in the peak.
Route 454 will run between Melton and the new Cobblebank Station with services every 40 minutes, seven days a week, providing more public transport options for local residents.
The new service will help get students to schools within short walking distance of the route, including Staughton College, Al Iman College, St. Anthony’s Primary School and Melton South Primary School.
With the addition of these services, Route 459 will be realigned with an increase to 30-minute services in peak times to get more locals to more areas
The new routes come as the Labor Government gets on with building the Ballarat Line Upgrade, which will deliver much-needed extra services during peak times, and trains every 40 minutes off-peak, to service growing communities in Melbourne’s outer west and Ballarat.
The new Cobblebank Station will cater to the new suburbs around Melton, while the project will also allow for the future electrification of the line from Melbourne to Melton.
The new services and the adjustments to Route 459 will begin late 2019, with route maps and timetables available closer to the start date at ptv.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
“We’re making it easier for locals in our growing western suburbs to get where they need to go – whether it’s to the city, Ballarat or other places in the west.”
As stated by Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz
“We’re making sure locals across our growing communities can get around town – which is why we’re investing a new bus route for Aintree.”
As stated by Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“We’re delivering a new bus service and a new train station for people living in and around Melton South and the brand-new suburb of Cobblebank – making it easier for them to get around.”
