Bus network review open for public feedback

BALLARAT people are being encouraged to share their thoughts on the city’s bus network as the State Government reviews regional systems.

Community consultation on the Ballarat network is open now and will remain open until 7 December.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams last week announced the start of community consultation on the review, which is the first to be funded under the Government’s 2025-26 budget.

Ms Williams said locals are encouraged to participate in the process and share ideas on ways to improve local public transport services, which will help plan for a network that works best for the community.

“Buses are central to local public transport in our regional centres and help to connect communities to improve access to jobs, shopping, healthcare and education,” she said.

“The Ballarat bus network was reformed in 2017, however since that time there has been significant population growth and further growth expected through the Ballarat North PSP (Precinct Structure Plan), changes to travel patterns and increased working from home.”

Ms Williams said the Government had delivered 135 extra weekly train services and 73 more weekly bus services following completion of the Ballarat Line Upgrade and Ballarat Bus Interchange projects in early 2021.

She said that in February this year, the Government provided for more than 180 more weekly services to Route 10, extending the service to connect residents in the Lucas Estate to Ballarat Central and Wendouree and Ballarat stations.

“In April this year, we delivered a further 33 additional weekend train services to the Ballarat line and more than 320 additional weekend bus services for Ballarat,” Ms Williams said.

“Major construction at Ballarat Station is currently underway, with upgrades to accessibility, safety and connectivity for all passengers on track for completion in 2026.”

Reviews of bus networks across the state follows the announcement of free public transport for Victorians under 18 from 1 January next year, with more than a million young people and their families expected to benefit.

Local Members of Parliament, Wendouree’s Juliana Addison, Ripon’s Martha Haylett, and Eureka’s Michaela Settle, all commented positively on the review.

“Engaging with the Ballarat community ensures our bus network reflects the needs of those who work, live and study in the area and are able to get where they need to go,” Ms Addison said.

Ms Haylett added: “We have expanded bus services in recent years to the growing communities of Lucas and Smythesdale in Ballarat’s west, but we know there is more to do.

“This bus review is an opportunity for local families to tell us where they want to see further improvements to our network.”

Ms Settle said good transport connects people.

“It helps communities thrive,” she said.

“This review is about listening to locals and understanding how they want to move around and stay connected.”

Visit engage.vic.gov.au/Ballarat-bus-network-review.