Melbourne & Urban Bus - articles, discussion etc.

[Cazza]

10 cents for every $1 spent. That's is not a very good ratio. It's a very good idea but maybe the idea should be reviewed and maybe bring in TOD along the line

[ozbob]

^

Melbourne Age --> Apartments may be built over Eastern Freeway with Doncaster rapid busway

Apartment towers could soar above the Eastern Freeway one day, with easy access to Melbourne's first high-capacity "busway" below.

French-based transport company Transdev wants to build and operate Melbourne's first rapid transit bus system, between Doncaster and the CBD, and has proposed selling property developers the "air rights" to build above the freeway to help pay for it.

Two sites – the freeway interchange at Chandler Highway in Kew, and the park and ride facility in Doncaster – have been identified by Transdev as opportunities for future "transit-oriented development" if the busway goes ahead.

This would involve building directly above 10 lanes of traffic on the Eastern Freeway in Kew.

Building above a freeway has not been attempted in Melbourne, but has been done successfully in overseas cities, including Boston and New York in the US and Osaka in Japan.

The proposal is that residential towers, with a mix of office and retail space, would extend up to eight storeys high from platforms constructed on either side of the Chandler Highway overpass.

The platforms would also include multi-level car parking, public art, and escalators and lifts down to the ground-level bus platforms in the freeway median.

Eight-storey structures could also be built over the Doncaster park-and-ride facility at the intersection of the Eastern Freeway and Doncaster Road. The buildings would house shops at ground level and apartments above.

The current ground-level car park would be expanded into a multi-level facility, according to Transdev's proposal, which was developed with engineering consultancy AECOM.

The company wants to build and operate the busway for 30 years, and has offered to pay the estimated $500 million-plus capital cost up front in a public-private partnership with the Andrews government.

High-capacity buses would run every three minutes in the peak between Donvale Hospital and Southern Cross Station. Other vehicles such as cars and trucks would be banned from the bus lanes.

According to a proposal Transdev submitted to the Department of Treasury late last month, the busway would be used by 24,000 passengers in the peak each day, and would provide the city of Manningham with a speedier and more reliable journey to and from the city than current bus services.

The Eastern Freeway median – long set aside for a potential future Doncaster railway line – would instead become an express busway.

Transdev issued a statement on Thursday after The Age revealed its bold pitch, which is at the first stage of the government's market-led proposals process.

"The Doncaster Bus Rapid Transit project is a proposal only at this stage," the company said.

"Elements of the proposal would evolve through extensive engagement with the community and other stakeholders should the Victorian government support the further development of the proposal."

It is understood the company's busway proposal does not hinge on selling air rights above the freeway.

The idea of building along the bus corridor could be explored at a future stage of its operation, should the government go ahead with the proposal.

Transit-oriented developments are already a growing feature of Melbourne's railways.

The government proposes to build a 13-storey mixed-use building above Ormond station, which was rebuilt as part of the North Road level crossing removal.

And government corporation VicTrack has already partnered with the property industry on several developments on underused railway land, at stations including Glen Waverley, Jewell in Brunswick, Hampton and Windsor.

Carolyn Whitzmann, Professor in Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne, said transit-oriented development could work just as well above freeways and busways as railways.

The key was the quality of the design and its social benefit in terms of providing good housing and improved transport.

"The main determinant will be the benefit to local residents and residents of Melbourne," Professor Whitzmann said.

"Will there be affordable housing, housing for older people, and families with a limited interest in owning cars?"

The Andrews government was contacted but said it could not comment on a proposal that is at stage one of its market-led proposals process.

[Cazza]

The only thing about these apartments is noise from the freeway below. Trying to sell them will be a challenge "come buy these stylish apartments with very easy access to the Eastern Freeway!!!" But the idea is very good. Just need to use double glazed windows and other noise provention methods to block out the sound

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Editorial: Eastern Freeway transport plan is a bus route to a better future for Melbourne

With Melbourne's population increasing by about 100,000 a year in recent times – annually adding more than the entire citizenry of Ballarat – traffic congestion has become the greatest threat to the state's economy and the capital's feted liveability.

The city's population is forecast to continue surging for decades; Melbourne will have doubled to 8 million people by the middle of the century. It is crucial existing transport problems are mitigated and looming ones anticipated with effective and cost-efficient policies, particularly to expand and improve public transport.

While it is important that current road and rail projects continue, linking up and completing arterial flows, they are hugely costly and will take years to come online.

So, The Age welcomes a proposal by a global transport conglomerate to build and run a rapid bus system. French company Transdev says the project would reinvent public transport in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. The proposal for a $500 million public-private partnership has been put to the state government under Treasury guidelines established to promote cost-effective infrastructure investments.

The cost is a fraction of the up to $5 billion it is estimated would be required to build Doncaster Rail, an investment that would return a mere 10¢ for every dollar spent. The Transdev pitch follows the same market-led process used by Transurban to secure the West Gate Tunnel project.

Assuming the proposal passes due diligence, it would appear to have considerable merit. Buses are cheaper than trams and trains, and can be deployed immediately, thereby providing quick solutions by getting better use from existing roads. The proposed buses would run every three minutes in peak hour and carry 150 passengers. Most of the hundreds of thousands of cars stuck in the daily peak-hour congestion have but one occupant. Most cars are idle for as much as 95 per cent of the time.

The traffic jams are estimated to be costing the economy $15 billion a year in lost productivity. Were that not bad enough, there are the added social and health costs – spending hour after hour in such a frustrating and agitating situation is demoralising.

Other cities around the world have adopted the sort of rapid transit bus system suggested by Transdev. It is more akin to a rubber-wheeled train service than a traditional bus service. The proposal has already won the backing of as many as seven eastern suburbs councils and the Public Transport Users Association. Engineers estimate that 24,000 people would use the service in the combined morning and afternoon peaks – about eight times more than use the current, conventional system.

We believe buses should be used to alleviate the lack of public transport servicing Melbourne's urban sprawl. Again, they are the cheapest, most readily deployed and most flexible way to improve the life of the flood of people, many of them young families, establishing communities there.

Investment is required to speed and buttress rail links between Melbourne and regional centres, as buses are unsuited to this task, another crucial element in Victoria's future. Population growth is not the only reason Melbourne's traffic congestion has become such a shackle. The bulk of economic activity happens in the city's centre. Regional Victoria is contributing nothing on net to the state's economic output – some parts are going backwards, while others are stagnating or only barely growing. Getting transport investment priorities right, and right now, is a prerequisite to the necessary balancing and broadening of the economy.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/danielbowen/status/945619513973686273

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/VicGovtNews/status/980574308094259200

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/980838977207910401

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/cheaper-fares-more-buses-for-heathcote-and-junortoun/

Cheaper Fares, More Buses For Heathcote And Junortoun

Minister for Public Transport

8 June 2018

The Andrews Labor Government is lowering bus fares for locals in Heathcote and Junortoun, expanding coverage to five return services each weekday and introducing weekend buses for the first time.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today announced the new seven day-a-week service will start in September, making it easier for locals to get where they need to go.

More regular and additional services will be delivered throughout the week, allowing passengers to catch one of five buses to and from Bendigo each week day.

On Saturdays and Sundays, three return buses will encourage more people to enjoy the popular O'Keefe Rail Trail and boost access to the region.

Following community consultation earlier this year, buses will travel between Heathcote and Bendigo via McIvor Forest Drive, Strath Village Shopping Centre and La Trobe University.

The new route will deliver transport services to a growing pocket of Junortoun for the first time, and will reduce the need for passengers to change buses to get to key health, shopping and education hubs.

Community feedback has also seen timetables adjusted for bus times suitable for Heathcote residents working in Bendigo, such as those accessing special education services and medical appointments at the hospital.

From 23 September, the existing Route 63 from La Trobe University to Bendigo Station will be extended to Bendigo Hospital, providing a service every half hour on weekdays between the station and hospital.

Some Route 71 services will also be extended to Junortoun to improve transport connections between Strathfieldsaye and Junortoun.

A full fare return trip from Heathcote to Bendigo will be halved from $20.60 to $10.80, while concession fares will drop from $10.30 to $5.40 return.

Passengers catching buses to Bendigo from Heathcote, Knowsley, Axedale, Longlea and Junortoun will all benefit from these fare reductions.

Travel information will be available one month before the new services begin at ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

"We're making bus trips between Heathcote and Bendigo more frequent, delivering more services and making it easier for people to get around."   

"These changes will put more money in the pockets of hard working families and help connect a growing pocket of Junortoun for the first time." 

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

"Locals told us introducing Saturday services was a great start, so we're building on that by extending them all weekend."     

[ozbob]

Melbourne Age --> Forget tunnels and trains, buses are an immediate solution

Population growth in Melbourne's outer suburbs has significantly exceeded the state average, accounting for 49 per cent of growth in Melbourne and 44 per cent of the state's growth. Essential infrastructure and services have not kept pace.

As a result, there are inadequate and insufficient public transport services, a decline in housing affordability, poor access to health services and a disrupted and challenging family and community life due to the time spent away from home travelling to and from work.

There is massive inequity associated with the difference between public transport services in inner/middle Melbourne and outer Melbourne in terms of the number of bus services, the frequency of buses, span of operating hours and integration of bus and train services.

This inequity must be addressed if Melbourne's population is to continue to grow at its current rate without having a negative effect on liveability, especially in the outer suburbs.

The public transport network needs to be realigned to focus on delivering services that enable people to move as effectively and efficiently as they would using personal transport. A rail line running through Melbourne's middle-eastern and northern suburbs and connecting to the airport, which may materialise in 30 years' time, does not provide any comfort in the here and now.

On the other hand, focusing on improving and expanding bus services can address the problem in months and years, not decades.

The forthcoming state election provides us with an opportunity to require political parties to pledge to improve buses. The outer suburbs need a "turn up and go" local bus network. This means increasing the frequency of local bus services to every 15 minutes on weekdays, and expanding operating hours so services run from 5.30am to 10.30pm ― the same as in inner and middle Melbourne.

Introducing new SmartBus or high-capacity bus services that link employment areas and activity centres will also reduce transport disadvantage and congestion, such as:

    Mordialloc to Monash University, then onto Box Hill
    Frankston to Cranbourne, then onto Fountain Gate
    Dandenong to Pakenham
    Dandenong to Cranbourne
    Rowville to Gardenvale
    Greensborough to La Trobe University
    Caroline Springs to Sunshine, then Sunshine Hospital
    Werribee to Point Cook, then Williams Landing

We also need to give on-road priority to buses along transport corridors to improve the reliability and punctuality of bus services and to reduce congestion.

We must improve the connectivity between our regional centres and Melbourne. This is fundamental to any plan to redistribute or decentralise our population, as would be giving V/Line coach customers a state-of-the-art ticketing system rather than the present antiquated handwritten method.

We also need to deploy Wi-Fi on buses and coaches to improve the customer experience and increase the productivity of the journey; being able to work or study and travel at the same time isn't an unreasonable expectation.

We need to track all buses in real time – not some buses some of the time. And we need more demand-responsive smaller buses operating in rural areas and outer suburbs as large buses don't fit into some estates.

An efficient and integrated transport network with timely provision of bus services in the outer suburbs will need to be at the core of the next state government's plans to address the ills associated with runaway population growth, and to support positive economic growth and liveability at a moderate cost to government.

Chris Lowe is executive director of Bus Association Victoria.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1071791113256689665

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/renewing-melbournes-biggest-bus-fleet/

Renewing Melbourne's Biggest Bus Fleet

Minister for Public Transport

15 December 2018

The Andrews Labor Government will buy 100 new buses to support Melbourne's public transport network, giving passengers across the city better buses to get wherever they need to go.

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne today announced the Labor Government will invest $16 million over the next two years to replace and modernise the ageing state-owned bus fleet used on routes operated by Transdev Melbourne.

The new bus order will improve reliability and comfort for passengers, with Transdev exploring passenger-focused improvements including onboard Wi-Fi, mobile phone charging and improved passenger displays.

Many of the buses operated by Transdev are older than the industry average and are susceptible to reliability issues, particularly during hot weather.

The new buses will be built in line with the Government's Local Jobs First policy, meaning they will be made with 60 per cent local content and create more than 20 new jobs for locals in Dandenong, Truganina and other potential locations.

In addition to the new buses, the Government has agreed to a six-month extension to Transdev Melbourne's contract through to January 2021.

Transdev Melbourne has operated the Melbourne Metropolitan Bus Services Franchise since August 2013 which covers 47 routes, or 30 per cent of the metropolitan bus network.

The contract extension will allow a full procurement process for the franchise to be undertaken, giving the Government the opportunity to achieve the best deal for passengers.

Earlier this year the Government overhauled the contracts to run the remaining 70 per cent of Melbourne's bus network, with the emphasis on giving Victorians a more passenger focussed and reliable service.

The $16 million order is in addition to the Government's record investment in rolling stock, including the $2.3 billion order of the High Capacity Metro Trains, $848.5 million for new regional trains and 90 bigger, modern and accessible E-Class trams.

Most of the new buses will enter service in 2019.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

"These new buses will give local passengers a more comfortable and reliable journey – now and well into the future."

"We're delivering the biggest order of new trains, trams and buses this state has ever seen and ensuring they are built right here in Victoria."

"We're modernising, expanding and upgrading Melbourne's bus network, so it delivers better outcomes for the thousands of passengers who rely on it every day."

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-new-hybrid-bus-ready-to-hit-melbourne-roads/

First New Hybrid Bus Ready To Hit Melbourne Roads

Minister for Public Transport

5 April 2019

The first of 50 new Hybrid technology buses for Melbourne's bus network will take its first passengers next week, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

The new Victorian-built buses will be progressively rolled out across the next three years and will operate across bus routes in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine.

The buses will reduce fuel consumption and the impact on the environment, while improving passenger experience by delivering a quieter and smoother ride.

The first bus will enter service on Route 606 (Elsternwick to Fishermen's Bend) and 417 (Laverton to Laverton North) next week.

The Labor Government's order for 50 new Hybrid buses into the CDC Victoria bus fleet is the single biggest order of hybrid buses in Australia.

The body construction and fit out for the new buses is being carried out in Dandenong by Volgren, supporting Victorian jobs and backing the local automotive industry to develop new capability and innovation.

All 50 buses will feature low floor layouts and are Euro 6 emission standard, the highest and cleanest level for commercial vehicles worldwide.

Hybrid technology uses the electric battery when idling and travelling under 20 km/h. The bus noise is significantly reduced when idling at stops and departing from stops, while trials in Victoria found Hybrid buses used 30 per cent less fuel.

30 Hybrid buses will be phased in over the next 12 months, with all 50 buses to be in service on CDC routes in Wyndham, Oakleigh and Sunshine by 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Melissa Horne

"We're securing local jobs and supporting the environment with Australia's largest single order of hybrid buses."

"This is part of the biggest order of new trains, trams and buses this state has ever seen, which are being built right here in Victoria."

"We're modernising, expanding and upgrading Melbourne's bus fleet, improving the passenger experience, delivering local jobs and reducing the impact on the environment."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/philipmallis/status/1113894126527897602

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-new-buses-hit-melbourne-roads/

First New Buses Hit Melbourne Roads

Minister for Public Transport
18 July 2019

The first of 100 new buses being built by the Andrews Labor Government have hit Melbourne's roads, providing a more reliable, comfortable and safer experience for passengers travelling on metropolitan routes.

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne visited Volgren's factory in Dandenong this week to inspect the new buses, which are part of a $16 million order by the Labor Government.

The first instalment includes 18 new buses – the single biggest order of replacement buses in Victoria for more than 25 years.

The new buses are replacing the ageing fleet and already taking passengers. They are initially operating out of Transdev's North Fitzroy depot on routes around the inner north and eastern suburbs, including Carlton, Kew, Port Melbourne and Altona North.

Half of the buses are being built at Volgren's Dandenong factory, providing further job security for the workforce.

The remaining 50 in the order are being built in Ballarat by automotive manufacturer Oz Press Industries, creating 20 local jobs. These jobs include body builders, panel beaters, aftersales staff, auto electricians and painters.

All 100 new buses are set to be delivered and taking passengers by July 2020.

The new buses will be low floor and fully accessible for all passengers, feature USB charging facilities, improved CCTV capability, as well as a bigger priority seating area.  All 100 buses will be built in line with the Government's Local Jobs First policy, ensuring each vehicle is made with 60 per cent local content.

This bus order is on top of the Labor Government's record investment in rolling stock, including $2.3 billion for bigger better metropolitan trains, $848.5 million for new regional trains and 100 bigger, modern and accessible E-Class trams.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 also includes $205.1 million to increase train and bus services. New bus routes and more services will be rolled out in growth areas in the north and south-east, connecting people to jobs, reducing travel times and improving public transport options in the suburbs and regions.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

"These new buses will give passengers a more reliable, comfortable and safer journey when travelling around Melbourne."

"We're modernising, expanding and upgrading Melbourne's bus fleet, with the single biggest order of replacement buses in Victoria for more than two decades."

"We're delivering the biggest order of new trains, trams and buses this state has ever seen and ensuring they are built right here in Victoria."

[ozbob]

Herald Sun --> Bus data: Public Transport Victoria under pressure to release figures

Detailed statistics are available on how Melbourne's tram and train services are performing, but bus network data is not released. The Public Transport Users Association wants that to change. Here's why.

The Public Transport Users Association has called on the State Government to release bus operator performance data in a bid to fix problems with the network.

Public Transport Victoria last week released statistics detailing the reliability of trains and trams but no such data is available for Melbourne's buses.

There are 32 privately-owned bus companies operating routes under State Government contracts.

Transdev operates services in Manningham, the only municipality in Melbourne that doesn't have trams or a train line.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said monitoring bus company's performances would help lead to improved services.

"There is now real-time bus arrival tracking available on all Melbourne bus routes, so there is no reason this information can't be collated and reported by the government each month, as with the trains and trams," he said.

"This would also enable the possible introduction of compensation for passengers for poor bus route performance, which train and tram users can claim."

Mr Bowen said the move would also help councils improve bus services.

"Better bus performance information would also help local councils prioritise local road improvements to provide priority for buses which might help cut delays and improve travel times," he said.

Bulleen bus user Beryl White told the Manningham Leader she was "wondering what they're trying to hide".

"A while back I had three consecutive buses pass my stop in Thompsons Rd without stopping. They all had 'express' posted on the front but the timetable for that route doesn't show any express services," she said.

Doncaster commuter Mary Spencer said users deserved to know if the service was meeting their expectations.

"Commuters have every right for this information to be transparent," she said.

"By not providing this information, both the State Government and operators are covering up the performance figures — the question is why?"

Public Transport Victoria declined to comment.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/VicGovDoT/status/1174219057068945408

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1327874621803212800

[ozbob]

Victorian Government Statement

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/better-bus-services-connect-victorians

Better Bus Services To Connect Victorians

13 June 2021

The Victorian Government is trialing rapid running bus services to reduce travel times, as part of a broader plan to strengthen Victoria's bus network.

'Rapid running' buses don't wait to meet the timetable if they are running ahead of schedule. The trial on the high frequency Route 246 from Clifton Hill to Elsternwick has so far shaved up to 15 minutes off the journey over the length of the route. The Government is now investigating other routes to expand rapid running services in the coming months. 

The trial is part of the Government's plan to build a modern and environmentally sustainable bus network that will attract more passengers.

The extensive plan outlines improvements to Victoria's bus network to better meet demand, provide cleaner and smarter fleets, and improve accessibility, safety and service information, performance, and deliver value for money.

The Government is ensuring services better meet passenger demand, including through timetable changes on 19 routes across the network from September, which will deliver extra weekend services, earlier starts and later finishes.

Catching the bus late at night will be easier from September with the Night Bus service expanding from 21 to 34 routes, including new 24-hour weekend services on popular bus routes. Most routes will connect with hourly Night Train services at suburban stations, along with five routes operating from the CBD. 

The Government's goal to achieve a green bus fleet has already reached its first major milestone with over 80 industry partners registering interest and 38 proposals submitted to be involved in the Zero Emissions Bus Trial due to start early next year. The trial is part of our pledge for all new public transport buses purchased from 2025 to be zero emissions.

Victoria currently has 5,200 kilometres of bus network across the state, with a bus fleet of 4,000 playing a major role in improving access to modern and reliable public transport.

The plan to expand services to cater to new demand was boosted by the Victorian Budget 2021/22 investment of $74.3 million to plan for bus reform across the state including in Melbourne's growth areas.

Planning is underway for new bus routes at Tarneit North, extending routes and improving coverage in Clyde and Clyde North, aligning services to demand in Yarra Valley and Broadmeadows, and increasing the frequency of two key bus routes that connect Fishermans Bend with the CBD.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

"We'll continue to trial improvements such as the rapid running bus service to ensure passengers get to their destination as quickly and safely as possible."

"These further steps to overhaul our bus network will bring together opportunities across the industry to deliver modern, environmentally sustainable and reliable services to more people throughout Victoria."

"We will work with the bus industry and the local communities to ensure we can deliver the best connections to schools, health services and jobs."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Kinetic_Melb/status/1487878317353095168

[ozbob]

Victoria Walks: Walking to bus stops



Walking is the main way people get to bus stops, with 94% of users in Melbourne walking all or part of the way. This report – Getting to the Bus Stop (2021) – provides a comprehensive analysis of the safety and amenity of access to bus stops in Victoria.

The research included:

A literature review
Discussions with state transport agencies from Australia and New Zealand
Analysis of Victorian Department of Transport data
A survey of 436 Victorian bus users, and
Audits of access to 70 bus stops in Melbourne and Victorian regional towns and cities.
Key findings include:

Bus users are considerably more likely to be younger than the general population, with a third aged 10-19 and another 22% aged in their twenties. They are more likely to be studying or working casually, not have a full driver licence and have a low income.
Bus stop audits found that 60% of bus stops were located on higher speed urban roads with a limit of 60-80 km/h. The survey reported very similar results.
Only 5% of audited stops on higher speed roads had a pedestrian crossing at the stop.
Two in five audited stops (41%) were located on roads where a person would have to cross at least four lanes of traffic and sometimes also parking lanes.
Kerb ramps are essential for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams, while driveways may also provide an opportunity to cross the road. But more than one third (36%) of the audited bus stops did not have any ramp access – kerb ramps or driveways – within 50 metres. 
Footpaths are similarly important to people with limited mobility. The bus stop access audits found 11% had no connecting path and another 6% had a footpath only in one direction. ...

[RowBro]

Victoria Walks: Walking to bus stops



Walking is the main way people get to bus stops, with 94% of users in Melbourne walking all or part of the way. This report – Getting to the Bus Stop (2021) – provides a comprehensive analysis of the safety and amenity of access to bus stops in Victoria.

The research included:

A literature review
Discussions with state transport agencies from Australia and New Zealand
Analysis of Victorian Department of Transport data
A survey of 436 Victorian bus users, and
Audits of access to 70 bus stops in Melbourne and Victorian regional towns and cities.
Key findings include:

Bus users are considerably more likely to be younger than the general population, with a third aged 10-19 and another 22% aged in their twenties. They are more likely to be studying or working casually, not have a full driver licence and have a low income.
Bus stop audits found that 60% of bus stops were located on higher speed urban roads with a limit of 60-80 km/h. The survey reported very similar results.
Only 5% of audited stops on higher speed roads had a pedestrian crossing at the stop.
Two in five audited stops (41%) were located on roads where a person would have to cross at least four lanes of traffic and sometimes also parking lanes.
Kerb ramps are essential for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams, while driveways may also provide an opportunity to cross the road. But more than one third (36%) of the audited bus stops did not have any ramp access – kerb ramps or driveways – within 50 metres. 
Footpaths are similarly important to people with limited mobility. The bus stop access audits found 11% had no connecting path and another 6% had a footpath only in one direction. ...

That's really bad, but not too surprising. It would be interesting to know what the numbers are in Brisbane & SEQ. I doubt they'd be any better 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MelbOnTransit/status/1602020319065411586

[ozbob]

^

Making the most of Melbourne's buses

[ozbob]

ABC Radio: Buses in Melbourne interview with Peter Parker (12 Dec 2022)

An interview I had with Warwick Long on ABC Melbourne. The interview was in response to Infrastructure Victoria's discussion paper on bus reform in Melbourne. My blog post on that is here: https://melbourneontransit.blogspot.com/2022/12/infrastructure-victoria-paper-champions.html

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/first-all-electric-bus-depot-powering-ahead

First All-Electric Bus Depot Powering Ahead

16 February 2023

Victoria's first all-electric bus depot will be powered up in coming weeks, marking a major milestone in the Andrews Labor Government's push towards a cleaner and more sustainable bus fleet.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today visited the Ventura depot in Ivanhoe – which is set to become home to the largest fleet of locally made zero emission electric buses across the state.

The depot is currently being converted into the base for the expanding fleet of electric buses, which forms part of the Labor Government's $20 million, Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Trial.

The trial will inform the transition of around 4,000 diesel buses in the state's public fleet, including around 2,200 in regional Victoria, to zero emissions. From 2025, all new buses on Victoria's public transport routes will be zero emissions.

The electric bus bodies in the trial will be built at Volgren's Dandenong South manufacturing facility in Victoria, supporting local jobs and injecting money into the local economy.

Ventura is moving to a cleaner, greener fleet as part of the trial, with 12 new zero emission buses going into service from the newly converted Ivanhoe depot in March.

The new zero emission buses will operate on nine northern suburbs routes including to La Trobe University, Gowrie Station and Northland Shopping Centre.

Works to convert the Ivanhoe depot continue and include the installation of a new transformer on site and 14 chargers. Electrification specialist Zenobē is managing the upgraded grid connection that supports the 14 dual-gun Tritium fast chargers.

By early 2024, the depot will be home to 27 battery electric buses, transporting up to 10,000 people each week and covering more than 1.2 million kilometres a year in and around the northern suburbs.

Creating a greener fleet is part of Victoria's Bus Plan to develop a modern and reliable network that attracts more passengers, with the new, greener buses critical to the Labor Government's goal of net zero emissions by 2045.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

"Victorians deserve a great public transport system – one that's clean, reliable and sustainable. That's why we're rolling out more electric buses, and work on the state's first all-electric bus depot will soon be complete."

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

"We're delivering all-electric buses and building our vital local industry partnerships with energy providers and manufacturers, as we transition to net zero."

Quote attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines

"Ventura is the largest bus operator in Victoria and the biggest participant in our Zero Emissions Bus trial and it's exciting for the northern suburbs community that Ivanhoe is at the forefront of that transition to a greener future."

[ozbob]

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/more-200-extra-bus-services-melbournes-east

More Than 200 Extra Bus Services In Melbourne's East

18 April 2023

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering more than 200 extra bus services per week in Melbourne's east to make it easier for locals to travel.

The additional bus services will be introduced across two high demand routes from 30 April.

It includes route 733 Oakleigh – Box Hill via Clayton, Monash University and Mt Waverley, as well as route 767 Southland – Box Hill via Chadstone, Jordanville and Deakin University.

The additional bus services will better connect locals to employment, education and shops – and forms part of Victoria's Bus Plan, which is delivering improvements to the state's bus network.

It also follows community consultation, which highlighted that taking a bus was the most popular mode of transport when travelling to and from the Box Hill and Burwood area and that frequency is paramount.

Route 733 will have an increased frequency of every 15 minutes during the day on weekdays between Box Hill and Monash University and an increase of every 40 minutes on Sundays.

Route 767 will have an increased frequency of every 20 minutes during the day on weekdays. Services on the weekend will also commence earlier and finish later.

Both bus routes also operate via several of the future Suburban Rail Loop East locations including Cheltenham, Clayton, Monash, Burwood and Box Hill. These additional services will help meet travel demand while Suburban Rail Loop is being constructed.

The Labor Government invested $109 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and customer outcomes.

The additional bus services are the first phase of bus upgrades for the area, with the next phase of upgrades expected later this year.

Timetables and more information can be found online at ptv.vic.gov.au and PTV's journey planner app.

Quote attributable to Acting Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

"We're delivering more than 200 additional bus services in Melbourne's east to make it easier for locals to travel and connect them to employment, education, healthcare and other transport modes."

Quote attributable to Member for Box Hill Paul Hamer

"These are two of our most popular bus routes – so these additional services will provide a huge benefit to the community and help make it easier for students and residents to get to key locations including Monash University, Deakin University, Southland, Chadstone and Box Hill."

Quote attributable to Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon

"We're listening to the community and introducing theseadditional services per week to give locals more options about when they travel across our bus network."

[#Metro]

I am puzzled by Melbourne's 20-minute and 40 minute bus services. Maybe it is to do with train connections. Either way, Melbourne's bus services are not good.

Are they going to have enough drivers to drive them?

 

The Labor Government invested $109 million in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to improve local bus services in growth areas, implement bus reform, improve accessibility and customer outcomes.

[ozbob]

 

https://twitter.com/tpwkelly/status/1676413307866210304

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> Where's my ride? How public transport deserts entrench inequality across Melbourne's suburbs

Massive investment in Victoria's public infrastructure has not always been linked to bus routes, meaning some on the city fringes have no choice but to drive.

Areas across Melbourne are completely cut off from public transport options, with other parts of the city only getting sporadic service, analysis has revealed. Peter Parker, a public transport expert, has analysed bus routes across the city and says the poor quality of services on the outer fringe and large swaths of the north and west are "entrenching inequality". ...

[ozbob]

Infrastructure Victoria

Fast, frequent and fair: how buses can better connect Melbourne

https://www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/project/fast-frequent-and-fair-how-buses-can-better-connect-melbourne/

^

I have just been interviewed by ABC Radio Melbourne on the BRT proposals for Melbourne considering the Brisbane experiences of BRT.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> More than a third of Melburnians have never caught a bus, Infrastructure Victoria wants the network overhauled

Quick read

In short: A report has found that Melbourne's bus network needs to be redesigned with more priority lanes and cheaper fares

About a third of Melburnians have never used a local bus.

What's next? The Public Transport Users Association said more money needs to be invested in the network so that buses are a viable public transport option for more people. ...

The report recommends the delivery of a network of bus rapid transit corridors across Melbourne over five years. (Supplied: Infrastructure Victoria)

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ptua/status/1732132569981038951?s=20

[ozbob]

... I have just been interviewed by ABC Radio Melbourne on the BRT proposals for Melbourne considering the Brisbane experiences of BRT. ...

Interview 6 Dec 2023 ABC Radio Melbourne Drive Host Ali Moore with Robert Dow RAIL Back On Track

Here --> https://backontrack.org/docs/abcmel/abcmel_rd_6dec23.mp3 MP3 7.0MB

[ozbob]

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1732410771781587257?s=20

[#Metro]

1,733 views  Dec 6, 2023  #7NEWS #BREAKINGNEWS
The state's peak planning body wants commuters to jump onboard a bus revolution to solve Melbourne's traffic woes. They're calling for new dedicated lanes and a public transport rethink to get tens of thousands of cars off our roads.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/Kinetic_Melb/status/1739383034795692407?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1775214683441725648?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ptua/status/1775621386733846727?s=20

[ozbob]

https://x.com/MelbOnTransit/status/1784804431667790327

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ptv_official/status/1825308465767563323?t=DRhhuEctFUQfqXkWvuqQpw&s=19