Victoria Expands Bus Network with $100M Investment

Victoria invests $100M to expand bus routes, weekend service, and hours statewide

Victoria Adds $100M for Bus Service Expansion

Victorian bus riders will see expanded weekend service, longer hours, and new routes across the state under a nearly $100 million investment announced by transit officials. The funding, part of the 2026/27 state budget, aims to improve connections to universities, shopping centers, and train stations while helping residents save money during a period of rising costs. Gabrielle Williams, Victoria's public transport minister, said the expansion will deliver more buses "north, south, east and west" throughout the region.

Context

The investment represents one of Victoria's largest single commitments to bus infrastructure in recent years, according to transit officials. The expansion addresses growing demand in outer suburbs where population growth has outpaced transit service, Williams said. Officials said the changes will help residents access employment, education, and essential services more easily. The funding comes as the state continues half-price fares through the end of the year to encourage public transit use.

Details

Northern suburbs will gain improved access to La Trobe University with additional weekday and evening services on multiple routes, officials said. Western areas will see a new bus network in Melton South featuring two new routes and better connections to Woodgrove Shopping Centre. Eastern and southeastern suburbs will receive longer operating hours, more Saturday services, and new Sunday services on various routes. Regional Victoria will get a new route connecting Drysdale and Ocean Grove, plus additional services in Castlemaine, Harcourt, and Bass Coast.

Timeline

The service changes will be funded in the 2026/27 Victorian Budget, though officials haven't announced specific implementation dates for individual route expansions. Transit agencies typically roll out major service changes in phases over several months, allowing time for driver recruitment and vehicle deployment. Williams said the state will release additional details about specific routes and schedules as implementation approaches.

Impact

Riders across Victoria's metropolitan and regional areas will benefit from increased service frequency and expanded weekend coverage, officials said. The changes are designed to reduce wait times and provide more travel options for residents commuting to work, school, and other destinations. Moovit provides real-time bus schedules and service updates for Victoria's expanding transit network, helping riders plan trips and track arrivals across all routes.