Reformed Bendigo bus network starts today

 Archived details on PTV website as below: 

https://web.archive.org/web/20170301030139/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/bendigo-bus-network/

https://web.archive.org/web/20170404014122/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/buses/a-new-bus-network-for-bendigo/

Note: This item was added retrospectively for posterity. 

'Bendigo Metro' train timetable delayed

V/Line was having a lot of problems running trains in late 2015-early 2016. It was to have an upgraded timetable for 'Bendigo Metro' on 31 January 2016. This news item advises the associated reformed bus network will proceed but the rail timetable will be deferred.   

Advice of this here: 

https://web.archive.org/web/20170301030133/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/ptv-statement-on-timetable-delay/

This was a last-minute deferral - two weeks prior it was said that both would proceed on 31 January.  Original announcement here: 
https://web.archive.org/web/20170301030112/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/bendigo-metro-rail-and-a-new-bus-network/

Bendigo Metro was a project to add services and/or reopen stations on Bendigo's outskirts. Then transport minister Jacinta Allan represents the seat of Bendigo East. 

An early January promise of the new V/Line timetable is here:

https://web.archive.org/web/20170301030107/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/adjusted-v-line-timetable-from-the-end-of-this-month/

Note: This item was added retrospectively for posterity. 

Night Network starts / Flagstaff station opens on weekends

Today 1 Jan 2016 saw the start of the new Night Network and Flagstaff station being open on weekends. 

The Night Network provides hourly overnight service on all Metro train lines and half-hourly service on six tram routes to provide a 24 hour weekend service. 21 special bus routes would provide 1-5am coverage of other areas. There were also some regional Night Network services. This network replaces the bus-only NightRider system.  

Details here:

https://web.archive.org/web/20170218235229/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/trial-of-all-night-public-transport-on-weekends/

https://web.archive.org/web/20170218233415/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/night-network/

It should be noted that all of the 21 bus routes were special Night Network only routes. This proved confusing to passengers. A later reform in 2021 replaced some of these special routes with 24 hour weekend service on selected regular routes.  

Advice of Flagstaff station's weekend opening: 
https://web.archive.org/web/20170301030019/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/flagstaff-station-to-open-on-weekends-in-under-a-month/

Note: This item was added retrospectively for posterity.