Funding to Enhance Bus Services in Melton South

The Allan government has announced a $100 million investment to expand suburban and regional bus services across Melbourne. The plan focuses on extending operating hours and increasing frequency on select routes, aiming to improve public transport accessibility.

Dubbed the 'Bus Bonanza', the initiative will introduce two new routes in Melton South. However, critics argue that this measure is insufficient to meet the needs of the West, where essential connections remain lacking.

Elyse Cunningham, coordinator of the Better Buses campaign, expressed a cautious welcome, stating, "We welcome this focus on buses, which are a vital but often-overlooked part of our public transport system. We look forward to a commitment to a date for these new services to begin."

Calls for Comprehensive Bus Reform

Despite the new funding, many residents in Melbourne's West are still waiting for promised services, such as the new Route 140 bus to Mt Atkinson estate. This service still lacks a clear delivery timeline, causing frustration among residents.

Advocates for public transport reform are calling for a grid of fast, frequent, and connected buses. This concept was recommended by the Department of Transport in 2023 but rejected by the Cabinet. Cunningham added, "Labour isn't even listening to their own policy advisors."

A comprehensive bus reform could potentially be achieved with an annual operational cost of $94 million. This cost stands in contrast to the $70 million recently spent on a month of free public transport, indicating that financial constraints are not the primary barrier.

The next steps for the project include deciding on a start date for the new services. This decision is crucial to provide clarity and assurance to the residents of Melbourne's West, who have been waiting for improved transit options.

Real, transformational bus reform would result in a public transport system that allows most people to travel across the West in a reasonable time. Frequencies of 10-15 minutes and a grid-like network are essential goals.

According to Sustainable Cities, a Friends of the Earth Collective, transformational bus reform is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to improve suburban life and increase public transport usage.