A faster, fairer and better-connected bus network is needed for Melbourne, including in Maribyrnong, according to new research,
The Infrastructure Victoria report, ‘Fast, frequent, fair: how buses can better connect Melbourne’, details how reforms to Melbourne’s bus network would significantly improve access to jobs and recreation for thousands of people.
The report lists Maribyrnong as one of the area’s which will benefit from increased frequent services.
According to the report, Footscray could experience between 5200 and 7000 additional daily boardings by 2036, resulting in 11,500 total daily boardings by 2036 from Tarneit to Maribyrnong.
The report lists 10 recommendations for improvements, including increasing the frequency of bus services, beginning with outer and growth area suburbs as well as optimising the bus network through fast and direct routes.
The recommendations echo similar requests from Friends of the Earth Melbourne, long-time campaigners for better buses in the west.
Campaigns coordinator and better buses spokesperson Chloe Aldenhoven said many households in Melbourne’s west have to spend thousands on multiple cars or taxis and Ubers, or otherwise just get stuck at home.
“It’s a cost of living issue, it’s a social isolation issue, it’s an equity issue.”
Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said the council has acknowledged the need for a faster, more frequent, and more direct bus network in the west, in its support the Better Buses campaign.
“Council would like to see bus reform prioritised in the west to address the existing public transport service inequities,” she said.
“We are pleased to see the inclusion of Tottenham and Maribyrnong (Highpoint) in the Infrastructure Victoria plan, and we support the recommendations for faster and more direct services.”
Following the report, Friends of the Earth are once again calling for a pilot bus reform to be introduced in the west by reforming the routes under the bus operator CDC’s contract that covers much of the west.
A state government spokesperson said the state government welcomes the Infrastructure Victoria report.
“We know buses play a significant role in our public transport network – particularly across the suburbs, which is why we’re focused on reforming the bus network across the state,” the spokesperson said.
“Through a range of initiatives including improving existing routes, adding new bus routes and supporting a transition to zero-emissions buses, we are making sure buses play a stronger role in a transport network critical to growing a more liveable and more connected Victoria.“
