More buses, longer operating hours and expanded weekend services are on the way across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with the state government unveiling almost $100 million in new public transport investment as part of the 2026/27 Budget.
The funding package aims to improve connections in growing suburbs, expand access to universities and shopping centres, and make public transport a more practical option for everyday travel. The announcement also comes as the government continues its half-price public transport fares initiative for the remainder of the year.
The northern suburbs are set to see major upgrades, particularly around university routes. Additional weekday and evening services will improve access to La Trobe University on Routes 301, 551 and 561, while more evening services will run between Mernda Station and RMIT Bundoora on Routes 386 and 387.
Passengers in Melbourne’s west will benefit from a new bus network for Melton South, including two new routes and improved connections to Woodgrove Shopping Centre. Route 454 will double in frequency, while Route 408 between St Albans Station and Highpoint will receive longer operating hours and more Sunday services.
In the eastern and southeastern suburbs, Route 273 between The Pines and Nunawading Station will gain longer operating hours, more Saturday services and a new Sunday service. New and upgraded routes are also planned across Casey’s fast-growing communities including Clyde, Junction Village and Devon Meadows.
Connections between Dandenong, Chadstone and Monash University will also improve through upgrades to Routes 802, 804 and 862, while weekend frequencies between Carrum and Frankston on Route 833 are set to increase.
Regional Victoria has not been left out, with a new route connecting Drysdale and Ocean Grove, more daily services between Castlemaine and Harcourt, and additional Bass Coast Coach services from Cowes and Inverloch to Dandenong.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the investment would help families dealing with rising living costs.
“More buses north, south, east and west – and it’ll be half-price to ride for the rest of the year.”
“With Donald Trump’s war driving up costs at home, more bus services help Victorians save money and time.”
The upgrades are expected to roll out progressively across the next financial year.
