Armstrong Creek and Torquay embrace better bus services

Residents in Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Torquay are making greater use of public transport following a improvements to the bus network that have double the number of local services available. Photo: ENGAGE VICTORIA

THE Victorian government is celebrating increased public transport usage across Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Torquay, a year on from the introduction of bus network upgrades that doubled the number of local services available.

An additional 100,000 trips have been taken on the improved bus network, which was introduced in June last year and saw an extra 500 weekly bus services added, as well as new routes aimed at improving connectivity between the three communities and key locations such as the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, Deakin University, Marshall Station and Geelong.

This included the introduction of a new service between Geelong and Torquay (Route 53), a new service between Marshall Station and Jan Juc (Route 52) and a new service between Marshall Station and Torquay (Route 54).

The bus network has also been improved for students at Oberon High School, with the existing Route 45 service, which links Waurn Ponds and Armstrong Creek, extended to connect with the school.

A regular and direct service to Moorabool Street was similarly introduced, while the expanded network has also seen an increase in the operation of buses through the evenings and weekends.

As part of the upgrades, more than 50 new accessible bus stops were also installed across the network, providing easier access for users in wheelchairs and with mobility aids.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the improved bus network was making it easier for people to get where they need to go – whether into town, to work or out to enjoy different parts of the region.

“This is a real win for our growing Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Surf Coast communities,” she said.

“Locals are getting the bus services they deserve, with more reliable connections to schools, shopping centres, health services, as well as V/Line services.”

In May, the state government also allocated $162 million in its 2025-26 budget to undertake a review of the bus network across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.