Melbourne Expands Bus Network with $100M Investment
Victoria invests $100M to expand bus routes, hours, and weekend service across Melbourne suburbs
Melbourne Adds Bus Routes in $100M Expansion
Melbourne's bus network will expand across suburban and regional areas under a nearly $100 million investment announced in Victoria's 2026/27 state budget. The package includes longer operating hours, more weekend services, and new or upgraded routes designed to improve connections to jobs, education, and local services. Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said the expansion will help ease cost pressures and improve public transport access, with half-price fares available for the rest of the year.
Growing Suburbs Drive Service Expansion
The investment responds to Melbourne's continued suburban growth, particularly in outer areas where public transport access has lagged behind population increases. Officials said the expanded network aims to improve reliability and coverage as these communities continue to develop. The government emphasized that the changes focus on better integration with train services and major activity centers. Transit agencies typically review service levels based on ridership patterns, employment centers, and educational institutions when planning network expansions.
Multiple Regions Receive Service Upgrades
Melbourne's northern suburbs will see expanded services to improve access to La Trobe University, with additional weekday and evening trips on multiple routes. The western suburbs will get a new bus network in Melton South, including two new routes and increased frequency to Woodgrove Shopping Centre. Eastern and southeastern Melbourne will benefit from extended operating hours and increased weekend services, with new connections to Box Hill, Burwood, and Surrey Hills. Growth areas including Botanic Ridge, Casey Fields, Clyde, Junction Village, and Devon Meadows will receive upgraded or extended routes.
Regional Areas Gain New Connections
Regional Victoria will also see improvements under the package. A new route will link Drysdale and Ocean Grove, while additional services will be added in Castlemaine, Harcourt, and Bass Coast. Member for Pascoe Vale Anthony Cianflone emphasized that the upgrades would support local communities in accessing jobs and services. Member for Preston Nathan Lambert highlighted that the investment would strengthen links to key destinations including train stations, jobs, and universities. Officials haven't announced specific implementation dates for individual route changes.
Riders Can Track Service Changes
The expanded services are designed to provide better access for commuters, students, and residents in growing areas across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Officials said the changes will roll out as part of the 2026/27 budget implementation, though specific launch dates for individual routes weren't provided. Riders can track real-time bus schedules and route updates through Moovit, which provides current service information for Melbourne's expanding transit network.
