With the State Government seeking to develop more housing in established suburbs, high quality public transport will be key to ensuring that new residents get around without having to drive.
While some destinations are served by the rail network, many trips must be taken by bus, to nearby suburbs or other areas not served by rail.
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) reviewed bus services in the 25 announced centres:
- Of the 51 reviewed, only four routes (8%) offered a good service of every 15 minutes on weekdays and 20 minutes on weekends.
- 16 routes (31%) offered fair services, with 15-20 minute services at times on weekdays, but far less frequent services of typically 30-40 minutes on weekends.
- 21 routes (41%) offered low quality services.
- 10 routes (20%) offered a poor service, with buses hourly or worse, or not running at all on weekends.
PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen commented:
“Melbourne’s bus services are letting us down. Too many routes, including those serving important activity centres, simply do not run often enough to be a good option to driving.
“Train services are also lacking in many areas, with evening and Sunday morning services particularly poor.
“There is a real possibility that higher density will bring traffic chaos if better public transport, walking and cycling options are not provided.
“As Melbourne grows, the State Government must invest in more public transport services – particularly buses – to ensure that more people can get to where they’re going without being forced to drive.”
- Full report (PDF, 826 Kb)
- Coverage of this story: Herald Sun 6/1/2025 (Paywall)
- Activity centres map below – from the Victorian Planning Authority (click to zoom)
Last revision: 7/1/2025