Three new, rapid bus routes could transform commuting in the west, according to a community advocate.
Tarneit local Aijaz Moinuddin said that buses running every five minutes from Point Cook to Watergardens, Tarneit to Maribyrnong, and Melton to Broadmeadows are needed to address public transport black spots.
“The west is expanding faster than any other part of the city, yet its public transport network has not kept pace,” he said.
“Rapid buses running every five minutes would give residents a real alternative to driving — cutting travel times, reducing pressure on overcrowded roads, and improving access to education, employment, and essential services.
“A fast, frequent bus network would ease congestion on major arterial roads such as Ballarat Road, Derrimut Road, and the Western Freeway.
“With more people choosing to travel by bus, fewer cars would be on the road — reducing bottlenecks, travel delays, and carbon emissions.
“Over time, this would also improve road safety and free up space for freight and essential travel.”
He said the three routes, which were listed in Infrastructure Victoria’s 2025-2055 30-year infrastructure strategy earlier in the year, would connect some of Melbourne’s fast growing suburbs.
“At present, Tarneit and Melton are two of the fastest-growing suburbs in Victoria but are poorly connected,” he said.
“There is no direct public transport link between them, leaving residents reliant on cars for even short cross-suburban trips.
“A direct connection from Tarneit to Maribyrnong would open up easy access to key destinations like Highpoint Shopping Centre, Victoria University, and surrounding employment areas.”
He said the routes would also connect residents of Wyndham and Melton more directly to Melbourne’s inner west without having to travel through the city.
“This link would be especially valuable for workers, students, and families — providing shorter, more predictable journeys and supporting economic activity across the western suburbs.”
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said the state government is focused on reforming the bus network across the state in years to come.
“We have supported this recommendation from Infrastructure Victoria on the metropolitan bus network, which is consistent with the work already underway to implement Victoria’s Bus Plan,” the spokespersons said.
