Councils Unite for Better Buses

 

Councils across Melbourne have united to get the State Government to add bus services and improve networks. This comes in the form of a resolution from the Municipal Association of Victoria passed by their State Council at its meeting last month. 

The motion reads: 

That the MAV calls on the Victorian Government to urgently increase recurrent and capital investment to fully implement Victoria’s Bus Plan and metropolitan and regional bus network reform, so that buses become a genuinely frequent, reliable and competitive part of the public transport system. 

This must include higher service frequencies, extended operating hours, faster and more direct routes, and seamless integration with trains, trams, walking, wheeling and cycling networks; adopting technologies that are responsive to demand; priority upgrades in population growth areas, transport-disadvantaged, peri-urban and regional communities; accessible public transport infrastructure; completion of comprehensive metropolitan and regional bus network reviews (including first/last mile corridors identified by councils); and the delivery of a public education program to maximise the return on rail investment, support housing growth, improve equity of access, and materially reduce car dependency across Victoria. 

This is a consolidation of motions from the following councils: 

Details are in MAV's May 2026 Resolutions (pdf). 

Kingston City Council noted the state's high investment in rail projects and level crossing removals but that full benefit from them required higher frequency buses to get people to stations. They also said that key bus routes (such as the orbitals) crossed up to 8 municipalities meaning that benefits from their improvement would be widespread. 

Brimbank City Council pointed out that many services remain infrequent, indirect, or poorly integrated with other modes of transport, while high-demand routes are at capacity and can leave passengers stranded. They sought increased funding for higher frequencies, longer hours and better coordination with trains. 

Merri-bek City Council called on the state to fully implement Victoria's Bus Plan, including the Bus Network Reform Implementation Approach. This would have provided a grid of frequent bus routes across Melbourne. Merri-bek also supports a public education campaign to promote bus use.  

Bass Coast Shire supported a review of regional and peri-urban bus services with a view to improving service levels and connectivity. 

Boroondara City Council also sought state support for the Bus Network Reform Implementation Approach, noting increased need due to higher housing density and to maximise the benefits of the North East Link busway. Council requested a clear response from the state on the state of bus reform in its area. 

Maribyrnong City Council supported increased investment in local bus services, especially evenings, weekends and public holiday. They favoured more direct routes that made buses a viable alternative to driving and targeting of investment towards growth areas and transport disadvantaged areas. 

Port Phillip Council advocated similar to Merri-bek in relation to Bus Plan implementation and the desirability of promoting bus usage. They also supported more accessible tram stops and a fund for active transport improvements. 

MAV is one of many council groupings active in Victoria advocating on public transport matters. The Eastern Transport Coalition for instance recently released its 2026 State Election Platform while the Metropolitan Transport Forum is planning 'town hall' forums before the election. The Northern Councils Alliance has their Connect Melbourne's North campaign with bus reform a focus. WoMEDA in the west also supports rail and bus improvements while the Eastern Region Group of Councils want a long-term transport plan. 

No doubt we'll hear more from these (and others) as we get closer to the state election.