30 May 2023, 13:02
Victorian Legislative Council, Melbourne
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Public Transport, Minister Carroll. My constituent is a resident of Dandenong and her question relates to one of south-eastern Melbourne’s busiest bus routes, the route 800 Dandenong to Chadstone. This bus takes hundreds of daily commuters to shopping centres, hotels, hospitals, the Springvale cemetery, Monash University and other community services situated along the Princes Highway. Despite the development and population growth in this region, the route 800 bus runs without a seven-day service and has had no timetable upgrade for over 30 years. My constituent says that commuters have widely documented their need for an improved service, but as of last week’s budget the route continues to be overlooked for extra services. An upgrade would benefit thousands of people along one of Melbourne’s busiest corridors, so my constituent asks: when will the Victorian state government upgrade the route 800 bus service to include a seven-day service, longer operating hours and more frequent services?
Written Answer
Received: 23 June 2023
Hon. Ben Carroll MP
(Minister for Industry and Innovation, Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty, Minister for Employment, Minister for Public Transport)
I thank the Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Region for her question.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) regularly reviews the bus network to identify where improvements can be made. When reviewing existing bus routes or planning new ones, DTP considers several factors including the number of users, suitability of the road network for bus operations, development of a direct and easily understood network, and connectivity with other public transport services. I have asked DTP to consider improvements to Route 800 as part of their forward planning process, making note of the issues the Member raises.
We are continuing to improve the state’s bus network in line with Victoria’s Bus Plan to better meet demand, improve accessibility and performance, and deliver value for money. We have made significant steps along the path it outlines over recent months.
We have announced a new approach to Metropolitan Bus Services Contracts that will deliver better outcomes for passengers, value for money and enable the transition to a zero emission bus fleet. The recent budget included funding to double the speed of the transition of this bus fleet to zero emission buses. This landmark investment will help us achieve our nation-leading legislation target of net zero by 2045.
The 2023-24 budget also provided funding for bus improvements including new services in Eynesbury and Maddingley, and funding for development of a cross-peninsula bus from the Hastings area to Mornington.
Finally, we recently published online the consultation summaries for the three bus reform pilot areas of Melbourne’s North, North-East and Mildura. We are now working with councils and other stakeholders to build on this community feedback and inform the next steps of our bus reform program.
[ENDS]
