Victoria Targets 25% Active Transport by 2030
Victoria aims to raise active transport to 25% of trips by 2030 as car costs hit $25,100 yearly
Victoria Targets 25% Active Transport by 2030
Melbourne families spending $25,100 yearly on cars could see relief if the Victorian government meets its goal to boost cycling and walking trips. Officials aim to increase active transport from 18% to 25% of all trips by 2030, though they haven't set public targets for reducing car use. About 73% of Melbourne trips currently rely on private vehicles, double the rate in London or Paris.
Car Dependency Drives Transit Crisis
Victoria's car ownership rate of 744 vehicles per 1000 people ranks among the world's highest outside the United States. Car ownership in Australia has increased 48% over four decades, rising from 499 vehicles per 1000 people in 1985 to 740 per 1000 in 2025. Among Melbourne households with children, 51% own two cars, 19% have three cars, and 11% have four or more vehicles. Experts say reducing private vehicle use is essential to reach climate goals, as cars and light commercial vehicles produce more than 10% of Australia's carbon emissions.
Transit Gaps Force Multi-Car Ownership
Families in sprawling suburbs report having no alternative to driving due to infrequent public transport. Residents in areas like Point Cook in Melbourne's west face buses running only every 40 minutes on weekends. A Point Cook resident said her weekly fuel bill jumped from $70 to $100 as petrol prices rose from $1.76 per litre on February 20 to $2.50 by late March 2026. An average Melbourne family in middle-ring or outer suburbs spends about $25,100 annually on car-related expenses, including loan repayments, insurance, registration, maintenance, and fuel.
Implementation Timeline and EV Interest
The Victorian government's 2030 target for active transport gives officials eight years to build infrastructure supporting the shift from 18% to 25% of trips. Electric vehicle makers have reported a surge in interest from Australians since fuel prices spiked, though experts recommend investment in public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure alongside EV adoption. Officials haven't announced specific funding levels or project timelines for the active transport expansion.
Transit Planning and Rider Resources
The government's focus on cycling and walking infrastructure aims to provide alternatives for families currently forced into multi-car ownership. Officials haven't specified which suburbs will receive priority for transit improvements or how quickly service frequency will increase in areas like Point Cook. Moovit provides real-time transit information and trip planning for Melbourne's public transport network, helping riders navigate available bus, tram, and train options.
