In short:
Wyndham and eight other outer Melbourne councils are calling for high-frequency buses along the planned Suburban Rail Loop corridor. The proposal would deliver public transport connections before heavy rail is completed and form part of wider outer suburban bus upgrades.
Outer Councils Push For Buses Before Trains
Outer suburban councils, including Wyndham, are urging new Premier Ben Carroll to roll out high-frequency buses along the Suburban Rail Loop corridor well before the multi-billion-dollar rail project is completed.
Wyndham is one of nine municipalities that make up Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC), an advocacy alliance pushing for improved services and infrastructure across Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
The group wants frequent, turn-up-and-go buses introduced along the planned northern, western and eastern sections of the SRL, arguing they could provide better connections years before trains begin running.
The push comes as the future and timing of the Suburban Rail Loop faces renewed attention following Mr Carroll becoming Premier and removing the project as a standalone ministerial responsibility.
OMC says running buses along the future corridor could also build public transport patronage and travel habits before heavy rail arrives.
Move Would Explore Passenger Demand Before Rail Is Built
The proposal forms part of a broader package of new routes and suburban bus upgrades contained in OMC’s election platform, Completing Our Communities.
OMC Chair and Nillumbik Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said outer suburban communities needed improved public transport now.
“The SRL is a long-term project, but the need for better services is immediate and pressing.”
“We can bus the loop now, and lay the rail later — if the government of the day still wants to.”
“This is about delivering better public transport for people across outer Melbourne now, and for a fraction of the cost.”
“Investing in rapid bus services will support new housing and business precincts today, and allow people to immediately reshape their travel habits.”
The Suburban Rail Loop will eventually span Melbourne through four major stages, with SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill expected to open in 2035 while SRL West, connecting Werribee to Sunshine, is not expected until the second half of the century.
At the current pace, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are on track to have a fully automated driverless rail line before the Wyndham Vale and Melton lines in the west are electrified.
OMC also represents Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges.
