Latrobe City has been left out of the Victorian Government's recent announcement to invest $100 million into bus network services in the State Budget. While most of this investment is directed towards metropolitan Melbourne, only a small number of regional areas have been identified for service improvements, with Latrobe City not included.
"We welcome stronger investment in the bus network across the state, but we are very disappointed that Latrobe City is not included in this latest announcement on bus network improvements," Latrobe City Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson said.
"And it's not just more bus services needed in Latrobe, we also need better alignment between bus and train services.
"While we welcome increased V/Line services on the Gippsland train line from the start of the year, these changes have not been coordinated with local bus services to meet the needs of our community.
"In many cases, passengers are facing long connection delays or missed services due to poor alignment between trains and buses. It's not uncommon for our school students to have to wait for over half an hour for a connecting service.
"For regional communities, connections are not optional, they are essential. People rely on coordinated services to get to work, school and appointments, and without this, the network simply doesn't function as intended."
"Regional Victorians are effectively subsidising free public transport for Melbourne, while being left with services that are less reliable, less connected and underinvested.
"Regional communities like ours deserve to be part of a fair and well-connected public transport network that works for everyone.
"As it stands, public transport simply isn't a viable option to get around for many people in Latrobe City.
"Local bus networks in most regional cities, including ours, have not been reviewed in more than 15 years.
"Without access to reliable and well-connected bus services, many residents are left with no choice but to rely on their cars, increasing cost of living pressures on households already doing it tough.
"Latrobe City Council remains committed to working with the Victorian Government, the Department of Transport and Planning and local bus operators to deliver affordable, better coordinated and more responsive bus services that meet the needs of our growing regional community."
As part of ongoing advocacy, Council is continuing to call on both state and federal governments to invest in integrated, well-planned public transport infrastructure to boost efficiencies of our freight network, transport workers to and from jobs, and bring visitors to our region.
Latrobe City Council wrote to the Minister for Public and Active Transport on 7 November 2025 and has since sent a follow up letter asking when a response would be received. The letter requested a comprehensive review of the Latrobe City bus network, including community consultation, development, and delivery of a reformed network that improves coverage, reliability, and service hours across Latrobe City.
Council also requested, subject to the findings of the review, that funding be allocated in the 2026/27 State Government Budget to implement accessibility upgrades across the network, including infrastructure improvements such as seating, shelters, lighting, and accessible pathways to bus stops.
However, this funding was not specifically provided for in the 2026/27 State Budget.
Providing safe, fast and reliable public transport is vital to local communities. It supports access to essential health, education and professional services, transports workers to and from jobs, and attracts visitors to our region.
