Doncaster’s ‘express’ busway busted: New $250m link could take longer than old route

Buses travelling on Melbourne’s first high-speed busway will be limited to just 60km/h in some sections — meaning commuters could face even longer travel times into the city after the $250m project opens.

Buses travelling on Melbourne’s first high-speed busway will be limited to just 60km/h in some sections in a major blow to commuters who were promised faster access to the city.

In a fresh embarrassment for the Allan government, the Herald Sun can reveal planned speed limits could actually slow travel to the city from the eastern suburbs.

More than $250m has been allocated to the promised high-speed busway which is being constructed alongside the Eastern Freeway as part of the $26bn North East Link project.

Announcing the new lanes, which will run from Doncaster to Hoddle St, in 2017 Jacinta Allan said they would allow buses to travel at 100km/h and slash travel times by a third.

“Buses will no longer be held up weaving on and off ramps,” she said at the time.

“The Doncaster Busway will create a true express ride down the middle of the Eastern Freeway.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan promised in 2017 the new lanes would slash travel times on buses by a third. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

But Major Road Projects Victoria chief Jim Waller has warned operating speeds along the busway will “generally be up to 80km/h due to road geometry between Bulleen and Doncaster Roads.”

“In certain sections, such as near Chandler Highway, buses will reduce speed to 60km/h due to horizontal and vertical constraints.

“These speeds have been determined in accordance with safety standards, and the appropriate swept paths and sightlines have been checked as per Austroads guidelines.”

Mock ups of the Doncaster Busway from 2017. Supplied: State Government

The warnings were contained in a letter to a constituent, seen by the Herald Sun, that suggest a disconnect between the government and its major roads infrastructure arm.

“As the Program progresses, bus operators will continue to review the operational safety of the corridor to ensure the safest possible environment for commuters,” Mr Waller said.

“Road safety audits have been conducted during the design phases and safety will continue to be prioritised as the project moves forward.”

Our most recent look at works on the North East Link project. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

A government spokesperson denied any speed limits had been finalised.

“As the busway will be separated from freeway traffic, buses will be able to travel freely on dedicated lanes and passengers will see a significant reduction in travel times,” he said.

Liberal MP Nick McGowan, who represents the North-Eastern Metropolitan region, said Mr Waller’s speed warning was shared with him by a concerned constituent.

Mr McGowan, who has been campaigning for the government to install a toilet at the new Ringwood East train station, said the bus debacle was an embarrassment.

“I can’t get the state government to install a single disabled toilet at a train station yet they are prepared to spend $250m on an express bus lane which could almost double the time it will take the public to travel the same distance as today for free,” he said.

“You can’t make this stuff up, the state government is paying $250m and the buses will take almost twice as long because their speed limit is nearly half what it is today.

“It will take commuters twice as long to travel the same distance, despite spending $250m to improve the travel time. It would be laughable were it not true.

“How can a government spend $250m and have a worse outcome in terms of travel time and environmental impacts?”

Originally published as Doncaster’s ‘express’ busway busted: New $250m link could take longer than old route