The Andrews Labor Government is undertaking a major review of the bus network in Melbourne’s north and north eastern suburbs as part of a plan to develop a modern, faster, reliable and environmentally sustainable network for local communities.
The review will roll out over the next five weeks and will undertake face-to-face and online consultation with the communities spanning local government areas including Moreland, Darebin, Banyule, Manningham and Hume, to better understand current travel behaviours.
Consultation is now underway following the launch of an online survey and will run until Sunday, 16 October.
This engagement will give a better understanding of how people currently use their bus services, but also what would encourage them to use buses more – including where, when and how they would like to travel.
This information will help inform future planning for bus reform in these areas of Melbourne and provide insights and learnings that might be applied to other metropolitan or regional networks.
These areas were selected for their diverse transport profiles including servicing major, business, retail and educational precincts such as Latrobe University’s Bundoora Campus.
Further consultation is also being rolled out in Mildura as part of a major review of the local bus network.
These reviews are part of the implementation of Victoria’s Bus Plan, released in June 2021, which sets out how the Labor Government will shape the bus network in ways that increase the number of people choosing to take the bus by delivering simple, safe, reliable and comfortable journeys.
This includes examining new and innovative ways of delivering bus services such as demand responsive services. It is also looking at cleaner, smarter fleets with more bus types and improvements to accessibility and safety.
Locals in these areas can have their say about the bus network in their community by visiting engage.vic.gov.au/busreform.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“We’re investing in Melbourne’s public transport network by thoroughly examining how we can improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and deliver better outcomes for passengers.”
“We are focused on delivering a modern, productive, environmentally sustainable bus network that increases the number of people choosing to take the bus.”
