The Department of Transport is trialling rapid running bus services to reduce travel times, as part of a broader plan to strengthen Victoria’s bus network.
Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll said ‘rapid running’ buses didn’t wait to meet the timetable if they were running ahead of schedule and the six-month trial, launched in March, between Clifton Hill and Elsternwick had shaved up to 15 minutes off the journey over the length of the route.
Mr Carroll said the trail was part of the Department’s plan to build a modern and environmentally sustainable bus network that would 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,” Mr Carroll said.
“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,” he said.
Mr Carroll said that from September, catching the bus late at night would be easier with the Night Bus service to expand from 21 to 34 routes, including new 24-hour weekend services on popular routes.
The Minister said most routes would connect with hourly Night Train services at suburban stations, along with five routes operating from the CBD.
“Victoria currently has 5,200 kilometres of bus network across the state, with a bus fleet of 4,000,” he said.
