Local transport campaigns and council elections

Various campaigns have asked 2024 council candidates to commit to advocating for better public and active transport. Here's a quick summary of known campaigns, what they want and areas they're active in: 

Melbourne FOE Better Buses campaign 

Campaign seeks a radically reformed direct and frequent bus network across Melbourne's western suburbs. Also advocates for new bus routes in growth areas.  

Most active in Wyndham, Melton, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong with some candidates from other municipalities also signing up. 

See their candidate pledges here

Fix Dandy Buses 

Campaign seeks budget funding for 7 day service on all bus routes in Dandenong, with 2025 priorities being routes 802, 804 and 814. It follows from the #Fix800Bus campaign that got 7 day service on Route 800 funded in the 2024 state budget. 

Active in the City of Greater Dandenong, the campaign emailed candidates requesting support for council advocacy for better 7 day bus services. 

See news on their Facebook page

Streets People Love campaign

A broad campaign from nearly 40 local transport and environment advocacy groups to create safe and pleasant streets with good walkability and cycle access. 

Candidates from councils across Melbourne have been asked for their support. You can enter your address and the website will tell you which candidates have pledged for better streets. 

See candidate pledges in your area here.

More Trains Melbourne's North 

Seeks to boost all-week train frequencies on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Mernda and Hurstbridge line to match service levels on other lines. The campaign's first priority is to cut 40 min (Sunday morning) and 30 min (evening) waits to 20 minutes. Then a phased upgrade to every 10 minutes all week, starting with the busiest lines.  

Candidates in Hume, Moonee Valley, Whittlesea and Darebin in wards served by trains have been asked (via their Facebook pages) to support improved more frequent 7 day rail services.   

Candidates who responded positively are listed by council area on the More Trains Melbourne's North Facebook page. 

Combined 7 day bus campaigns of Merri-bek 

Seeks 7 day service on bus routes in Merri-bek, starting with important east-west routes 503, 506 and 536. Campaign has asked candidates in Merri-bek wards served by these routes for their position on advocating the better service needed. 

News on Facebook pages for Route 503, Route 506 and Route 536.

Any more? 

Let me know in the comments and I add your campaign if it's about local transport issues. 

Other reading

Public Transport priorities for each local government area

Local council elections 2024 - background