Today the Allan government committed $100m to expand some suburban and regional bus services. Calling it a 'Bus Bonanza', the government will extend operating hours and increase frequencies on a few select routes, and add two new routes in Melton South.
"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", said Elyse Cunningham, Better Buses campaign coordinator.
But, far from being a 'Bonanza', this is a drip-feed that continues Labor's slow and piecemeal approach. People in the West will be stuck without essential connections for another year.
To add to the pain, communities are still waiting for buses that the Premier promised with much fanfare in last year's budget. The new Route 140 bus, which would finally bring buses to the isolated Mt Atkinson estate, still has no delivery date.
Real, transformational bus reform would mean a public transport system that makes it possible for most people to go where they want across the West in a reasonable time. Frequencies of 10-15 minutes and a grid-like network are essential. Promising one or two new routes at a time, or making marginal improvements to existing routes, does not address the underlying problem.
A grid of fast, frequent, and connected buses is not a new idea. It is the practical fulfilment of the ALP's 2021 Bus Reform Plan. The Department of Transport recommended a similar grid for all of Greater Melbourne in 2023. Cabinet rejected the plan.
"Labor isn't even listening to their own policy advisors" said Cunningham.
"The Government has done well to commit $100m to buses, but why not do it in a way that makes a difference? Transformational bus reform is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to improve life in the suburbs and increase public transport usage."
Our plan for fast, frequent, and connected buses has an operational cost of $94m per year. By contrast, the Government just spent $70m for a single month of free public transport.
It is clear that the barrier is not cost, but political will to drive the change we need.
About us:
Sustainable Cities is a Friends of the Earth Collective. We have been fighting for Better Buses in Melbourne's West since 2021.
