Buses to drive region’s public transport as heavy rail option ‘abandoned’

“Next generation” buses are being flagged as the solution to the region’s public transport woes. Here’s why.

Quicker, cheaper and more accessible “next generation” bus services could be rolled out across the Mornington Peninsula within a year.

The State Government’s infrastructure advisory body says introducing electric buses that ran more frequently, had less stops and cheaper tickets would slash congestion and make commuting more appealing.

Infrastructure Victoria deputy chief executive Jonathan Spears said the initiative would also be faster and less expensive to introduce than extending existing heavy rail.

“Only a tiny percentage of Mornington Peninsula residents commute because it just isn’t viable,” he said.

“This would change that and could be achieved in a much shorter time frame.”

However, advocacy groups said the plan had “thrown the region under the bus” by overlooking a longstanding proposal to extend the Frankston train line.

Committee for Mornington Peninsula executive officer Briony Hutton was disappointed the proposal was not prioritised in Infrastructure Victoria’s 30 year plan, which was released on Thursday.

“Electrifying and duplicating the train line from Frankston to Baxter presents a once in a century opportunity for the Mornington Peninsula to gain access to a metropolitan train line with a dedicated park and ride facility for commuters,” Ms Hutton said.

She said there weren’t enough existing bus routes to service the Mornington Peninsula, leaving more than 80 per cent of locals without access to public transport.

Committee for Greater Frankston chief executive Ginevra Hosking said a draft blueprint for the next 30 years – released in December 2020 – had recommended constructing the rail extension in the next five years.

“The final report is saying another five years is needed for feasibility studies but in the meantime ‘next generation’ buses will do. It’s again kicking the can down the road,” Ms Hosking said.

“Frankston’s residents have been thrown under a bus. Commonwealth money ($225 million) is on the table to build the Frankston extension today, yet the state recommends even more studies.”

Infrastructure Victoria’s 30-year blue print for the future outlined four major projects needed to bust congestion and prepare for the 10.8 million people expected to call the state home by 2051.

The $100 billion plan recommended overhauling the City Loop, building an outer metropolitan road and rail corridor around far northern and western suburbs, fixing traffic light sequences on arterials, and extending suburban rail lines.

Mr Spears said the plan did not consider individual local government areas but the Mornington Peninsula and Greater Frankston would benefit from the key initiatives proposed.

“Reconfiguring the City Loop would increase the number of train services on the Frankston line and allow the transport load to be spread across the day.

“This in turn would pave the way for people to use off peak services.”

The report recommended slashing off peak public transport ticket prices by 50 per cent and introducing paid parking at all train and park and ride stations.

Those initiatives would help cut congestion by encouraging people to use public transport and reducing the need to drive to access trains and buses, Mr Spears said.