Support for the Better Buses for Kingston campaign
Rachel addresses the Minister for Public and Active Transport seeking support for the recommendations of the Better Buses for Kingston report. The report has been submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning for consideration. It details how to improve services for some of Melbourne’s longest bus routes. This includes routes 828, Hampton to Berwick; 903, Altona to Mordialloc; and 709, Hampton to Carrum.
Thursday the 13th of November, 2025
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. The action I seek is for them to support the recommendations of the Better Buses for Kingston report. Each and every day thousands of people in the South-Eastern Metro Region rely on buses to get them to where they need to go. Buses are vital for building connections and are the only mode of public transport that can quickly adapt for Victorians. When public transport does not work, it entrenches social disadvantage. It increases isolation, worsens cost-of-living pressures and limits access to essential services.
There are so many groups and individuals who are passionate about public transport in my local area. But today I want to focus on the City of Kingston and express my support for their advocacy to improve buses in the region.
Better Buses for Kingston
Their report Better Buses for Kingston has been submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning for consideration. It details how to improve services for some of Melbourne’s longest bus routes. This includes routes 828, Hampton to Berwick; 903, Altona to Mordialloc; and 709, Hampton to Carrum.
This report calls for more-frequent buses. The longest wait times should be no longer than 20 minutes, seven days a week. Increased service hours, such as earlier starts and later finishes, will make bus travel a more feasible option for many people. Moreover, better route infrastructure, like somewhere comfortable to sit and protection from the elements, should be given at every bus stop. This report is backed by evidence and supported by the wider community. Council went out and met people to understand how these services could be improved, not just in their offices but at the bus stops. These changes are not controversial. They will help thousands of people who rely on these buses across multiple areas in the region I represent.
I ask: will the minister support the recommendations of the Better Buses for Kingston report?
Response received, 11th of March 2026:
I thank the Member for her question.
The Allan Labor Government recognises the important role buses play in meeting the travel needs of people living in Melbourne’s suburbs. Buses are a vital part of Victoria’s integrated transport system, with about 400 regular bus routes servicing metropolitan Melbourne, in addition to the local bus networks operating in our regional towns and cities.
In the 2025/26 State Budget, the Allan Labor Government allocated $162 million for new and improved bus services across Victoria, with a focus on connecting communities in Melbourne’s growing suburbs to key local destinations including train stations, schools, health services, shops and jobs. This followed up a package of $180 million announced in 2024, to deliver more than 10 new or improved bus services -including in the growing outer suburban municipalities of Casey, Cardinia, Hume and Wyndham.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) regularly reviews the bus network to identify where improvements can be made, including in the City of Kingston. 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.
Since the launch of Victoria’s Bus Plan, the Labor Government has improved more than 126 local bus networks, delivering more than 11,000 new weekly services to give Victorians better, more reliable public transport — with many of these services being delivered through our funding allocations listed above, and even more services coming online in the months ahead.
I acknowledge the community’s interest in improving Routes 708, 828 and 903. The City of Kingston’s suggestions will be considered by DTP as part of future planning. The Department confirms that it has already engaged with Council regarding the Better Buses for Kingston submission.
The Allan Labor Government continues to improve public transport services for residents in the City of Kingston. This includes our delivery of new train stations along the Frankston Line at Cheltenham, Mentone, Edithvale, Chelsea, Bonbeach and Carrum., with new stations still to come at Highett, Parkdale, Mordialloc and Aspendale as part of our Level Crossing Removal Project.
Twenty level crossings have already been removed, with the Frankston Line planned to be level crossing free by 2029 – meaning safer and faster journeys for both rail passengers and road users.
The Big Switch timetable on 1 February enabled the Frankston Line to be returned to the City Loop with 12 additional weekly services, and this Labor Government has delivered 129 extra weekly services for Frankston Line passengers.
Gabrielle Williams MP
Minister for Public and Active Transport
Related:
External:
Have your say on Better Buses for Kingston – City of Kingston
