The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called on parties going into the 2026 State Election to commit to more public transport services more often across the state, to help make the network fast, frequent and reliable.
With Big Build projects such as the Metro Tunnel and scores of level crossing removals having been completed, there is an opportunity to capitalise on new infrastructure by boosting public transport services.
Short term priorities include:
- scrap Sunday timetables and run a single unified weekend timetable – starting with buses – helping to ensure that more routes run on Sundays, and simplifying schedules for passengers
- higher weekend frequencies on key bus routes including Smartbus services and direct routes to major shopping centres
- boost metro electrified train services to run at least every 20 minutes on all lines until midnight, seven days-a-week, cutting 30 and 40 minute wait times, and work towards more 10 minute frequencies in the near future
- increase V/Line services, especially to Melton and Waurn Ponds, but also more peak services from Colac, and provide additional capacity on the Bendigo line
“Public transport infrastructure upgrades in the past decade have been very welcome”, said PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen.
“But the emphasis must now be on making the most of all that investment. Public transport infrastructure is only as good as the services that run on it, and services in Melbourne and around the state are falling behind.
“Long wait times for most suburban public transport means it can’t compete with driving.
“Especially when there is ongoing cost-of-living pressure on households, it’s vital to ensure that more Victorians have the option of convenient frequent public transport.”
In the medium term, the PTUA backs targeted investment in infrastructure and services, such as:
- upgrades to key interchanges at Caulfield, Broadmeadows and Richmond
- new stations at Paisley (Altona North) and Mount Atkinson in Melbourne’s west
- the Park Street tram link, and East Malvern extension to improve tram connectivity
- regional train platform extensions to ensure longer V/Line services can run to more stations
- planning for dedicated public transport corridors (potentially bus rapid transit, or light or heavy rail) around the greater Geelong area
- higher frequencies for key bus routes, to run at least every 20 minutes, focusing on services along direct cross-suburban routes
- additional V/Line services for the Albury and Bendigo lines, as well as key coach routes
In the longer term, PTUA is also advocating larger scale projects to extend the metropolitan rail network to keep up with urban growth, to Melton, Clyde and Donnybrook/Wallan.
“Public transport must keep up with population growth”, said Mr Bowen. “It’s not just about infrastructure, it’s also about ensuring services are fast, frequent and reliable, and meet people’s needs.
“Cutting waiting times, boosting capacity, and extending the public transport is vital to help keep Victorians moving, both in Melbourne and regional areas.
“This type of investment can help Victorians access education, employment and other opportunities, growing our economy while also providing relief for household budgets and getting more people out of traffic congestion.”
Read more: PTUA: Priority transport investments – 2026 State Election (PDF)
Media coverage:
- Dandenong Star: PTUA calls for bus and train boost
- Cranbourne Star: PTUA calls for Clyde rail, bus and train boost
- Australasian Bus And Coach: PTUA calls for Sunday bus timetables to be scrapped across Victoria
- Indian Sun: Dandenong bus campaign backs PTUA election plan for seven-day services