MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES CONNECTING VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES THE PLAN © State of Victoria May 2006

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Inquiries should be addressed to: Inquiries should be addressed to: Department of Premier and Cabinet Department of Infrastructure 1 Treasury Place Level 14, 80 Collins Street Melbourne East Victoria 3002 Melbourne Victoria 3000 Phone: (+61 3) 9651 5111 Phone: (+61 3) 9655 6666 www.dpc.vic.gov.au www.doi.vic.gov.au

ISBN: 1 920921 76 1 Full copies of Meeting Our Transport Challenges can be viewed and downloaded at either the Department of Premier and Cabinet website: www.dpc.com.au or the Department of Infrastructure website: www.doi.vic.gov.au The key to liveability is managing land use and transport networks to maintain the highest level of access to community, services and employment opportunities. Message from the Premier

Victoria is one of the most liveable places in the world – Right across Victoria, a wave of new projects will build and more and more people want to live, work and raise better transport connections, deliver major improvements their families here. to public transport, and create communities and neighbourhoods that are attractive and healthy places As Victoria’s population grows, we have to take steps to to live and work. maintain our quality of life – and one of the most important things we must do is make sure that all Victorians have I encourage you to read Meeting Our Transport Challenges access to a high quality transport system, wherever we and share in our vision of a world class transport network live and whatever means of travel we use. that will make a real difference in our daily lives and help to ensure that Victoria maintains its reputation as the most For the past 6 years, the Victorian Government has taken liveable place in Australia. strong action and made major new investments to build a modern, safe and reliable transport network across Victoria – from the inner city to the smallest country town; from Melbourne’s outer suburbs to our growing regional centres. Despite growing pressures, Victoria’s transport system is in good shape. But as our population grows and our lifestyles and work patterns change, we must make sure that our transport system keeps up with our travel needs. Steve Bracks Meeting Our Transport Challenges sets out an action Premier of Victoria blueprint for shaping Victoria’s transport system into the future. Under this blueprint, the Victorian Government will inject more than $10.5 billion over 10 years into our transport system, while also planning for an ongoing program of transport projects over the next 25 years.

ii Section One Where we are and where we need to be Message from the Minister for Transport

As Melbourne’s and Victoria’s population grows and Meeting Our Transport Challenges is a long-term plan changes, we have to plan carefully for Victoria’s future designed to address these issues and meet today’s needs transport needs. Across the State, many changes are and tomorrow’s challenges. occurring that will have a major impact on our transport Through major investment and new projects over the system in the years ahead. next 10 years, we aim to build a transport system that Strong economic growth across Victoria means that maintains Victoria’s high standard of liveability and helps people are making more trips and seeking greater mobility us to manage our growth in a responsible, sustainable for personal, work and business reasons. Provincial way – creating better travel choices for all Victorians and Victoria is growing strongly, generating new demands ensuring the proper planning and delivery of transport for transport services within and between regions. infrastructure for the benefit of future generations. Melbourne’s outer suburbs are also growing rapidly, with more people needing to make trips across the metropolitan area, instead of into the CBD. Our ageing population means that more people will rely upon public transport to move around. The growing number of cars on our roads is leading to greater traffic congestion and is starting to affect the liveability of some local communities. We need to plan ahead to tackle these issues – and we need to link long-term planning for Victoria’s transport system with planning for our cities, suburbs and Peter Batchelor communities that encourages travel options that are Minister for Transport smarter, cleaner and healthier.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities iii Highlights

Meeting Our Transport Challenges will inject an An additional $510 million will help to deliver first class unprecedented $10.5 billion over 10 years into public transport for provincial Victoria, including better improving transport infrastructure and services to ensure regional bus and taxi services, and more night and that Victoria remains one of the most liveable places in weekend services in major regional centres. the world – in addition to $1.6 billion in capital An additional $2 billion will be provided to upgrade expenditure already committed over the next 4 years. Victoria’s arterial road network, including construction of The Government is also planning for a further program the Western Highway–Deer Park Bypass, upgrading of transport projects to be implemented over the next regional arterial roads, and a new program of road 25 years, the final budgets and timings of which will be projects across Melbourne’s growing outer suburbs. released progressively. A $740 million package of improvements will boost The Government will invest $1.4 billion to create a cross- capacity and reduce congestion on the Monash-West town transport network for Melbourne. Major new Gate corridor, making east-west travel across the city SmartBus routes, supported by improved local bus faster and more reliable. services, will connect with the rail network to create a New investment of $1.1 billion in transport safety will grid of radial, arterial and orbital routes within and make our rail services safer and more secure, and between suburbs and across the city. For the first time, continue to reduce the road toll. people living in Melbourne’s middle and outer suburbs Public transport will be more accessible for people with will be able to travel across town by public transport restricted mobility, with a new program to improve without going through the CBD. access on metropolitan trains, trams, buses and V/Line The Government will provide $2 billion – the biggest passenger services. investment in the rail network since the construction of A new $5.9 billion Meeting Our Transport Challenges the City Loop – to deliver a substantial boost in the Reserve will ensure that future governments can capacity of Melbourne’s rail network. This investment will continue to finance major transport infrastructure improve peak period services, reduce rail congestion projects over the coming decades. and overcrowding, and construct additional tracks along sections of the Dandenong and Sydenham rail lines. Investment of $1.8 billion will deliver major improvements to Melbourne’s train and tram services, including new trains and trams, additional late night services and a new high-tech train control centre.

iv Section One Where we are and where we need to be Summary

In the past 4 years, Melbourne has rated as one of the Solutions to these problems must consider long-term most liveable cities in the world. issues and impacts as well as dealing with current Victoria continues to perform ahead of the national challenges and must ensure that Victoria gets maximum average on most economic indicators. value from existing infrastructure, while planning for the future. To ensure Victoria maintains this enviable position, attention must be paid to the transport network upon 10 areas for action have been identified, covering which the State is built. 32 separate programs designed to improve transport infrastructure and services across Victoria. While our transport system is rated highly compared to similar systems across the world, there is more to do. Meeting Our Transport Challenges is a strong foundation for the future – it is by no means an exhaustive list of For provincial Victoria, this means maintaining and projects, but provides a comprehensive, farsighted and expanding connectivity within and between regions, and far-reaching basis on which this and future governments providing access to affordable and appropriate can build. transport modes. For inner and outer metropolitan Melbourne, this means improving cross-town connections and addressing, as a matter of urgency, the increasing problem of congestion. Congestion impacts on both liveability and the economy with the potential to affect all Victorians socially and economically.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities v Contents

Message from the Premier ii Message from the Minister for Transport iii Highlights iv Summary v CONTEXT Maintaining Victoria as ‘The Place to Be’ 3 Victoria’s high quality transport system 4 Sustaining a high quality transport system presents challenges 6 FUTURE NEEDS Our growing and changing transport needs 11 Provincial Victoria 11 Metropolitan Melbourne 12 PRIORITIES Meeting future demands and challenges 23 A world class lifestyle 23 Accessible, connected communities 24 A safer and more secure system 25 Cutting congestion 26 Growing the whole State 28 Planning for the future 29 ACTIONS Areas for action 32 Action 1: Delivering for the future 33 Action 2: Creating a new cross-town transport network for Melbourne 35 Action 3: Boosting Melbourne’s rail network 39 Action 4: Improving metropolitan public transport services 42 Action 5: Delivering first class public transport for provincial Victoria 45 Action 6: Building better road connections 49 Action 7: Delivering a better link between the east and west of Melbourne 52 Action 8: Promoting smarter, healthier travel choices 55 Action 9: Creating accessible, connected communities 58 Action 10: Building a safer, more secure system 63

Meeting Our Transport Challenges Timelines and Funding 66 vi Section One Where we are and where we need to be Section One Context

Maintaining Victoria as ‘The Place To Be’

Meeting Our Transport Challenges delivers a plan to build a world class transport system for Victoria over the next 25 years. This substantial program of investment in transport infrastructure and services should not be seen as an exhaustive list of projects, but as a strong framework upon which this and future governments can build as new needs and challenges arise. Meeting Our Transport Challenges sets out more than $10.5 billion worth of projects for commencement over the next 10 years. Many of these projects have been fully developed and costed. The remainder are undergoing the Government’s rigorous scoping, costing and stakeholder consultation processes, with final budget and timelines to be announced progressively. Over the past 6 years, the Government has made significant progress in developing a transport network that responds to Victoria’s current and future needs. To ensure that Victoria remains the ‘Place to Be’, Meeting Our Transport Challenges will build on this solid foundation, strengthening the State’s transport system to sustain Victoria’s and Melbourne’s liveability into the future.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 3 Victoria’s high quality transport system Key features of Victoria’s transport system include: Victoria is a compact State with extensive inter-regional Following major investment in regional rail lines, Victoria’s and interstate transport links that support passenger and regional cities are well connected to Melbourne. Better rail commercial activity. These transport links contribute to liveability connections are supporting strong regional population and and are vital for supporting economic development and economic growth, and providing easier access to jobs, maintaining Victoria’s competitiveness on the global stage. education, recreation and retail and other services for people The transport system also supports Victorians’ access to daily living in provincial Victoria. activities such as work and school, as well as to friends and family, shops, sporting and cultural events. Victoria has a well-developed regional highway system, which provides high quality connections across provincial Victoria The Victorian transport network is large and diverse, consisting and into Melbourne, enabling the efficient movement of of about 22,000 km of arterial roads (15% of which are people and freight across the State – and to destinations and located in metropolitan areas) and 121,000 weekly public markets beyond Victoria. transport services. Melbourne has an extensive multi-modal public transport Melbourne has been rated as one of the top 2 most liveable system that typically carries over 1 million people per day. cities in the world in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, with the The city’s radial train and tram networks were a major quality of the city’s transport system contributing significantly to influence in shaping the metropolitan area during its formative Melbourne’s high ranking1. growth periods in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The current dimensions of the metropolitan system are indicated In 2005, Melbourne was given the highest possible ranking in the following table. for … the quality of the road network, the quality of the public transport and the quality of the regional and international transport links2.

Metro Train Metro Tram Metro Bus Total Length of network (km) 372 245 4,100 4717 Number of services per week 11,981 31,356 77,385 120,722 Vehicle-kilometres of service 327,392 440,922 1,446,154 2,214,468 per week Passengers carried during the year 146 m 145 m 90 m 381 m 2004-05

1. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Liveability Ranking assesses living conditions in 127 cities around the world by looking at nearly 40 individual indicators grouped into five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Qualitative and quantitative data are combined to give an overall Quality of Life Index rating. 2. Economist Intelligence Unit, Global Liveability Rankings 2005.

4 Section One Context Melbourne also has a well-developed grid network of arterial Victoria is a world leader in road safety. During the roads that supports more than 10 million personal trips each 1950s, 60s and 70s, widespread increases in car day. Through the continual development and management of ownership were accompanied by a high road toll. this road network, Melbourne has been able to accommodate Since that time, Victoria has developed and very substantial increases in commercial and private travel implemented successful strategies to reduce the rate without experiencing massive congestion. and severity of road accidents. The road toll in Victoria Victoria’s transport infrastructure supports the economy by is now one-third of what it was in 1970, despite a making business travel and freight movement easier and considerable increase in the number of people driving, cheaper. By providing access to affordable land for the number of cars on the road and the growing development, Melbourne’s transport networks have enabled volume of freight and commercial vehicles. residential and industrial development to expand outwards as the city has grown, without any significant increase in average commuting times or distances.

Road Deaths have declined since 1999 Serious injuries have remained reasonable stable since 1999

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MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 5 While it was common during recent decades of rising car and strategies required to meet these challenges, and the ownership for people to turn away from public transport, priorities for action in the short-to-medium term. Meeting public transport patronage has grown by 43% over the Our Transport Challenges provides specific commitments past 2 decades since the completion of the City Loop. to a number of programs and projects that will advance the This trend is likely to continue as rising petrol prices strategies and priorities included within the MTP. encourage more commuters to use public transport. Meeting Our Transport Challenges also builds on Melbourne Victoria’s public transport system performs well in enabling 2030 – Planning for Sustainable Growth, the Government’s easy and efficient access to many sporting and special framework for managing Melbourne’s growth in a responsible events, such as the Australian Open tennis tournament, the and sustainable manner. Planning urban growth around a high Formula 1 Grand Prix and the 2006 Commonwealth Games, quality, accessible public transport network is a key feature of as well as regular football, racing fixtures and cultural events Melbourne 2030, which includes the development of Transit such as Moomba and the Melbourne Festival. The successful Cities and the Principal Public Transport Network. delivery of these events is an essential element in However, the scope of Meeting Our Transport Challenges Melbourne’s liveability and an important feature of Victoria’s extends beyond the metropolitan area and addresses issues international reputation. of concern to people living in provincial Victoria, such as the The projects contained in Meeting Our Transport Challenges need for better access to services and support for economic will ensure that the best features of Victoria’s transport system development, as well as the changing transport demands are maintained and improved, while taking action to ensure associated with strong growth in regional centres and ‘sea- that Victoria develops a transport system that is capable of change’ and ‘tree-change’ areas. Meeting Our Transport supporting a highly liveable and economically competitive Challenges builds on substantial new investment for regional State for the next 25 years and beyond. services and infrastructure delivered in Moving Forward: making provincial Victoria the best place to live, work and invest. Sustaining a high quality transport system presents Meeting Our Transport Challenges also follows the principles challenges of A Fairer Victoria (the Government’s social policy statement Sustaining population and economic growth – and taking released in 2005) by ensuring that the access needs of small or advantage of future opportunities – means encouraging the remote communities, people with disabilities, older people and more efficient use of Victoria’s core transport infrastructure, disadvantaged groups are addressed, and by strengthening while addressing the pressures generated by more traffic and support for these groups and communities. growing demand for travel. More broadly, Meeting Our Transport Challenges supports the The Government is already working to meet these challenges Government’s long term vision for Victoria as set out in the through several major policy statements. Growing Victoria Together framework, which aims to balance In November 2004, the Government released Linking Melbourne economic, social and environmental goals in building a better – Metropolitan Transport Plan (MTP), a strategic plan for the society and making Victoria a stronger, more caring and management and development of Melbourne’s transport innovative State. system. The MTP identified and examined 4 key transport challenges: safety, managing congestion, metropolitan growth, and support for economic development. It set out the directions

6 Section One Context More information on major Victorian Government initiatives can be found at:

Linking Melbourne – Metropolitan Transport Plan www.linkingvictoria.vic.gov.au

Melbourne 2030 – Planning for Sustainable Growth www.melbourne2030.vic.gov.au

Moving Forward Provincial Statement www.business.vic.gov.au/movingforward

A Fairer Victoria Social Policy Statement www.vic.gov.au

Growing Victoria Together framework www.growingvictoria.vic.gov.au

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 7

Section Two Future Needs

Our growing and changing transport demands

Victoria’s population is expected to rise from 4.8 million people in 1PQVMBUJPO
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Provincial Victoria Population growth In recent years, the population of provincial Victoria has been growing at over 1% per year. Growth has been strongest in the larger regional centres, several of which have outstripped Victoria’s overall growth rate. Some coastal areas and inland areas of high amenity close to Melbourne have also attracted 4PVSDF
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MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 11 develop Southern Cross Station as a 21st Century transport The Government is also developing and supporting a range of interchange and the gateway to provincial Victoria new transport projects to improve services for smaller rural and upgrade major road corridors to Bendigo, Geelong, Traralgon remote communities. and South Gippsland Actions included in Meeting Our Transport Challenges are in As provincial Victoria continues to grow, significant new addition to substantial ongoing programs of maintenance and challenges are emerging in providing transport infrastructure management that are supporting critical regional infrastructure. to keep pace with population growth along the coast and in They are also in addition to initiatives outlined in Moving areas close to Melbourne. There is also a growing demand Forward, which included $50 million to create new bus and for commuting to jobs in larger regional centres from outlying transport connections in regional and country communities. towns and the fringes of centres. Demand is also growing for travel between regional centres and Melbourne. With more than 70% of Victoria’s economic Metropolitan Melbourne activities, including many specialised services, concentrated within the metropolitan area, access to Melbourne is a major Population growth requirement across provincial Victoria. Melbourne will continue to accommodate most of Victoria’s population growth, with the city’s current population of 3.5 Upgraded rail and road corridors are already stimulating million forecast to grow to over 4.5 million in 2031. The age growth across provincial Victoria. Making maximum use of profile of Melbourne’s population is also projected to continue this core infrastructure is critical to maintaining future growth, to change, with the proportion of people aged 60 or more rising as well as to improving access to jobs, services, suppliers from 17% to 26%. and customers for people and businesses in regional areas. Better connections with these major infrastructure investments, Melbourne 2030 – Planning for Sustainable Growth provides a including improvements to railway stations and interchanges, framework for managing the challenges of this metropolitan will be vitally important to supporting economic development growth in a sustainable manner through: and maintaining liveability in provincial Victoria. the establishment of an urban growth boundary (UGB); The development of Ballarat, Bendigo, La Trobe Valley and the encouragement of urban consolidation; Geelong as Transit Cities will also provide a focus for economic the development of major and principal activity centres with growth and regional development by creating safe, vibrant and mixed land use (retail, commercial, residential, services and accessible communities around public transport services and so forth) and higher densities of development as the focal transport interchanges. attractions for surrounding communities, and Aside from travel to and from Melbourne along major corridors, the development of the Principal Public Transport Network to most other inter-regional movements across Victoria are connect these activity centres and improve the range of relatively light. The Government recognises that roads and services and facilities accessible by public transport. bridges play a crucial role in the economic and social fabric Transit Cities will be a focus for intensive development of provincial Victoria and has upgraded many regional arterial supported by high quality public transport services. Transit roads and 99% of arterial bridges. Ongoing maintenance and Cities are being developed for Box Hill, Broadmeadows, upgrading will be required to sustain this high quality road Dandenong, Ringwood, Epping, Footscray, Frankston, network in the years ahead. Sydenham and Werribee.

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TIPXO Urban Growth Boundary Western Port LGA boundary More than one half of Melbourne’s population growth over Growth area Urban area the next 25 years will occur in outer areas which include the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Whittlesea Source: Department of Infrastructure 2006 and Wyndham. The 5 designated ‘Growth Areas’ within these Estimated municipalities will account for 30% to 40% of total metropolitan growth 2001 2016 2031 2001-2031 population growth over the next 25 years. The remaining growth Melbourne Growth Municipalities Melton 52,830 116,435 161,018 205% will be comfortably absorbed in established areas of Melbourne. Cardinia 47,010 94,957 138,300 194% Wyndham 87,141 162,936 208,208 139% A Plan for Melbourne’s Growth Areas – released as part of Casey 181,562 253,986 300,826 66% Whittlesea 118,118 156,743 194,132 64% Melbourne 2030 – sets out the Government’s approach to Hume 135,986 169,980 186,418 37% managing these Growth Areas, including the release of new All other areas 2,849,560 3,105,185 3,350,070 18% land, planning and development processes, and arrangements Total Metropolitan for providing vital community infrastructure. Melbourne 3,472,207 4,060,222 4,538,972 31% Development Contribution Plans will be introduced to ensure Source: DSE, Victoria in Future 2004 that the Government, local councils and developers contribute fairly to the infrastructure needs of communities – and that important infrastructure and services, such as transport, are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 13 Melbourne’s Principal Transport Network Meeting the changing travel needs of Melburnians The Principal Public Transport Network (PPTN) now and into the future requires the completion of comprises the existing radial fixed-rail networks for the PPTN, giving high priority to developing those train and tram services, and existing and proposed parts of the Network that are missing or inadequate SmartBus routes to provide cross-town connectivity. in providing for major travel flows, particularly cross- Current and proposed local bus routes act as town links. Completion of the PPTN will make public ‘feeders’ to the PPTN. transport increasingly relevant and attractive to the extensive and growing market for suburban travel.

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Bus and tram network (existing and proposed) Transit City Melbourne metropolitan rail network Activity Centre Potential network option (rail, tram or bus) Central Activities District 1 Presently operated as Train Link Urban Growth Boundary 2 Major public transport project under construction Major Road Urban area (2001) Rail (non metropolitan) Regional fast rail Source: Department of Infrastructure 2006

14 Section Two Future Needs Changing industry and employment patterns The emerging pattern of an increasingly dispersed population In addition to the impact of a growing population, Melbourne’s and employment presents 2 significant challenges: transport network will also be affected by where people work. managing the volume of growth In 1971, 30% of employment in Melbourne was located in accommodating more dispersed trips. Melbourne City and was strongly supported by the radial To meet the new travel demands associated with these transport system. By 2001, this figure had dropped to 19%, with changing industry and employment patterns, activity centres employment more widely dispersed throughout the suburbs. linked to the PPTN will enable public transport access over Over the next 25 years, development in Melbourne’s middle and a wider area. One important strategy in meeting these new outer suburbs is expected to show continuing growth in service travel needs will be greater investment in cross-town road and industries, together with some medium-density residential bus connections. development around activity centres. However, industries attracted to the outer suburbs for more Changing travel needs: cross-town connections space, lower land costs and access to major transport links Patterns of travel are changing across Melbourne. There will not necessarily meet all the employment needs of the are now over 12 million trips made each day in Melbourne local workforce. As a result, many outer suburban residents (including walking and cycling). The majority of these trips will continue to rely on access to employment in neighbouring involve travel within and between middle and outer suburbs, regions and established suburbs. and tend to have dispersed origins and destinations. By contrast, Melbourne’s south-eastern region is economically Over the past decade, road traffic volumes and public transport more self-reliant and less dependent upon access to the inner patronage have both grown at just over 2% per year. However, suburbs than other growth areas. There will continue to be as travel by car is far more common than by public transport, strong demand for travel from the Casey-Cardinia area to jobs this has meant a much larger increase in the absolute number along the Monash Corridor, north and south along the EastLink of car trips compared to public transport trips. corridor, and westwards to Kingston. Sustained economic growth lifting incomes, higher growth in In Melbourne’s inner city areas, the industry mix has also suburban employment relative to the CBD, lower car ownership changed over the past 30 years. Manufacturing and distribution costs and growth in social and recreational travel have have moved out; property and insurance and banking services contributed to theincrease in car use in recent years. The public grew strongly through the 1980s; government employment transport system, focused strongly on radial travel, has been has declined, and there has been reasonably strong growth in unable to attract more than a minor share of cross-town and hospitality, cultural and recreational services. local travel markets. Employment in the CBD is expected to grow by around 1.3% Current and projected travel patterns are different from those per year over the next 5 to 10 years, with strong growth in for which the existing public transport system was designed. knowledge-based industries and business services expected. Around 90% of motorised trips do not involve the CBD. In fact, most travel takes place within a few suburbs from the point of origin and tends to be dispersed in various directions.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 15 The Metropolitan Transport Plan identified the mismatch For example, the Monash – West Gate corridor has the difficult between the bulk of personal travel demands, which occur dual role of providing a major commuter route from the south- across the middle and outer suburbs, and the provision of eastern and the western suburbs to the CBD, while also public transport capacity, which primarily accommodates travel managing heavy demand for freight movements through the that radiates out from the inner city. This mismatch means that inner suburbs and around the Port of Melbourne. Delays are people without a car have very limited ability to access the becoming more and more common on the corridor. many opportunities and activities that are not directly along the With continuing strong growth in areas such as Wyndham to radial public transport routes. the west and Casey-Cardinia to the south-east of the CBD and A number of initiatives outlined in the Metropolitan Transport the expansion of the Port of Melbourne, congestion along this Plan, such as improved local bus services, have already strategic corridor will increase unless action is taken. commenced and are helping to address this mismatch and The West Gate Bridge also remains a capacity constraint, meet the more complex travel needs of the community. with traffic demands expected to grow significantly along this Melbourne 2030 also acknowledges the challenge to design part of the corridor, particularly given the imbalance between and provide a public transport network that is a viable population growth and employment opportunities in the city’s alternative for a wider range of travel requirements. Melbourne western suburbs. 2030 concludes that the most effective, sustainable way of Solutions that support increased use of public transport on and providing for such requirements involves developing a land use adjacent to the corridor and allow for the free flow of freight pattern in which attractions are concentrated at a number of and commercial vehicles between the south-east, the north nodes (activity centres and Transit Cities) and connecting these and the Port of Melbourne are essential to improving cross- with a network of high-quality public transport services (through town connections, meeting Victoria’s growing freight task and the PPTN). maintaining the efficiency of this vital component in Melbourne’s The ability of the metropolitan road network to meet the growing road network. demand for cross-town movement of freight and commercial traffic is also critical to Melbourne’s long term economic sustainability.

Most trips in Melbourne are within the middle and outer areas, and mostly by car.

Public Transport

Walk & Cycle MIddle and outer 81%

Inner 19% Car

All Trips Across Melbourne by Destination – All Modes, All Purposes Trips Within and Between Middles and Outer Areas

16 Section Two Future Needs Changing travel needs: shorter local trips More use of walking and cycling can also be encouraged by In addition to an improved cross-town network, new residents promoting growth and mixed land uses within activity centres of Melbourne’s outer areas will also expect local services – and providing the right conditions for making shorter trips on particularly bus services – that provide connections to the PPTN foot or by bicycle. and to nearby activity centres. The most favourable conditions for walking and cycling have More than 90% of households in Melbourne are now within generally been in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, where programs 400m of a public transport service. The Government’s ongoing such as TravelSmart have been successfully introduced. In program of investment in local buses aims to sustain this level the middle and outer suburbs, the growing concentration of as the city grows, improve hours of operation and frequency activities at a number of locations will provide new opportunities of services, and target services where they are most needed: to promote walking and cycling. for example, to areas where there are significant numbers of Over the past 5 years, significant new investment has been people unable to drive or without access to a car, and where directed into developing bicycle trails, bicycle lanes and shared there are sufficient levels of patronage. bicycle/pedestrian paths across metropolitan Melbourne and In some areas, or at certain times of the day or days of the provincial Victoria. week, levels of demand may be too low for conventional bus Better access for pedestrians and cyclists is integral to the services to be viable. In these circumstances more flexible planning and successful development of activity centres. It is transport services – typically low-capacity, demand-responsive also critical to the effectiveness of the public transport system. services – need to be available to meet the growing demand for Local governments and communities need to be closely shorter trips within and between suburbs. involved in identifying projects to improve walking and cycling Access to public transport is relatively good in Melbourne’s access to local shopping centres, attractions and services. inner areas where the PPTN is already well developed through Development of the Principal Bicycle Network (PBN) must also the tram network and where a greater range of activities are continue in order to provide well-connected routes for cyclists potentially accessible by walking or cycling. throughout the metropolitan area. Trams perform a combined role in meeting commuter demands and accommodating many short trips for business, shopping, education, social and other needs throughout the day. The strong growth in tram travel in recent years reflects the growth of inner suburban living and is likely to continue. Most of the tram network is on roads shared with cars and other traffic, often congested and with significant service delays. Giving trams priority at traffic lights and other critical points in the network will help to improve their performance and attractiveness.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 17 New bike tracks will fill gaps and extend beyond inner suburbs

Sunbury

Melton Epping Greensborough

Lilydale

Footscray Box Hill Ringwood 2

Werribee

Daanndedenonngong

Port Phillip Bay 1 Pakenham Cranbourne Geelong Frankston

NORTH Hastings 0 10 20 km Rosebud

Western Port

Principal Bicycle Network (April 2006)

PBN - existing PBN - proposed Major road Urban area (2001) Urban Growth Boundary (Nov 2005)

Source: Department of Infrastructure 2006

18 Section Two Future Needs MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Meeting our transport challenges 19

Section Three Priorities

Meeting future demands and challenges

Meeting Our Transport Challenges will help Victoria to meet Improving public transport options future transport needs and challenges in key areas that will Upgrading public transport to make it more attractive for a have a significant impact on liveability. wider range of travel needs is a priority in maintaining liveability across the State. One of the keystones of Melbourne 2030 is the encouragement A world class lifestyle of development around activity centres to be connected by Victoria’s transport links contribute greatly to liveability and will means of the PPTN. play an important role in creating a world class lifestyle for all In established suburbs, residents are already living around Victorians. activity centres. Bringing forward the development of these Melbourne has been recognised as one of the most liveable centres will encourage more local activities with shorter travel cities in the world. Its accessible public transport and safe, distances and greater opportunities to use public transport, comprehensive road network contribute greatly to its liveability cycling and walking. because they allow Melbourne’s residents easy access to the People in the outer suburbs of Melbourne will continue to use many opportunities available within the metropolitan area and cars to meet many of their travel needs in the foreseeable surrounding countryside. future, as cars remain the most convenient means of travel. The amenity of Victoria’s regional areas is also greatly However, rising petrol prices will make public transport an enhanced by a provincial transport network that provides good increasingly viable option – with fast, frequent and reliable bus access to regional centres and between regional and rural services likely to attract more and more people in Melbourne’s areas and Melbourne. outer suburbs who regularly travel across town and between suburbs, rather than to and from the CBD. The Government is working to improve liveability across Victoria through the development of Transit Cities and activity Completing the PPTN will address the community’s increasing centres, which will encourage a mix of employment, services, requirement for cross-town rather than radial travel. There are higher density housing and leisure activities around key public 3 aspects to this task: transport interchanges. Melbourne’s liveability will also be completing the PPTN (SmartBus) improved through the implementation of A Plan for Melbourne’s providing access to the PPTN (local bus, Park & Ride, local Growth Areas, which aims to limit urban sprawl. access initiatives) The Government will promote a world class lifestyle for all meeting growth (capacity program). Victorians by: The rail system remains the backbone of the PPTN because it is developing Transit Cities and activity centres across Victoria best suited to high volumes and peak demands for radial travel. improving public transport services in Melbourne and SmartBus is a premium service that provides cross-town provincial Victoria connections and will, with rail, complete the PPTN. Local bus encouraging urban and land-use planning around high routes will need to be extended (both geographically and quality transport networks through service improvements) to access to the PPTN by 90% providing travel solutions that are sustainable socially, of Melbourne households. economically and environmentally over the longer term

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 23 The PPTN must also have the capacity to meet expected Provincial Victoria increases in service levels. To accomplish this successfully, Provincial Victoria is growing and changing to take advantage 2 issues must be addressed. First, more ways must be found to of global opportunities and better connections to markets. The give greater priority to on-road public transport to ensure faster, Government has made – and will continue to make – substantial safer and more reliable and convenient services. Secondly, the investments in regional corridors to make these opportunities capacity of the metropolitan rail network must be boosted to available to more Victorians. New road and rail infrastructure ensure it can meet growing demand over the next 25 years. will be integrated within provincial cities to maximise the many benefits from initiatives such as the Regional Fast Rail project and major upgrades to regional freeways. Accessible, connected Movement between regions and between regional areas and communities Melbourne is fundamental for the social and economic health of Improving transport connections between communities will provincial Victoria. Upgrading and improving train stations and give Victorians access to jobs and services, as well as to their transport interchanges will make these movements much easier families and friends. and more convenient. The Government’s 2005 social policy statement A Fairer On the regional road network, major capacity, safety and Victoria gives high priority to improving access to vital services, operational performance improvements will also make travel reducing barriers to opportunity and strengthening assistance – and the movement of goods – between regions faster, safer to disadvantaged groups and communities. To support these and more efficient. broad principles, Meeting Our Transport Challenges aims to Improvements to regional bus services will improve travel ensure that improved access to jobs, education, recreation between regional centres and outlying towns, and create more and health and community services is distributed across all frequent and convenient connections with the Regional Fast communities, not just to people with cars. Rail Network. Public transport plays a vital role in providing access to The Government will also take action to significantly improve employment and other activities to people with a disability travel options and access to public transport for small and or restricted mobility. Making sure that these Victorians have isolated rural communities. access to transport – both within communities and to the broader public transport network – will enable them to take up Metropolitan Melbourne opportunities and participate actively in society. Melbourne is changing. Demand for inner urban living has The Government will better connect communities by: increased and employment is now dispersed across the metropolitan area. While 90% percent of travel in Melbourne extending public transport services into growing areas and is within or between adjacent local government areas, our improving the quality of transport services in suburbs and geography and history mean that many areas are physically regions connected by road and rail networks that radiate from central developing new cross-town connections in Melbourne Melbourne. As the State grows, this places increasing demands improving access to the transport system for older Victorians on a limited number of transport links. and people with disabilities and restricted mobility by making To support our growing economy, better connections between modifications to the network and to trains, trams and buses activity centres and key transport nodes are required to allow ensuring that public transport services reflect the changing increasing specialisation in production and skills and to realise travel patterns of Victorians, are tailored to meet diverse efficiencies in logistics – a source of productivity growth. Public community needs and are able to meet the needs of our transport must play a bigger role in providing access to major ageing population

24 Section Three Priorities activity centres, as will walking and cycling as more people live closer to where they work and access services. A safer and more Potential solutions to these issues were identified in the secure system Metropolitan Transport Plan. With a growing percentage of trips A safe, reliable transport system that people have confidence now taking place within or between suburbs, making major in using is vital to Victoria’s future economic prosperity and improvements to the city’s bus network is the best solution liveability. to making public transport more accessible, convenient and The Government places a high priority on transport safety and attractive to more Melburnians. The expansion of the SmartBus security. While Victoria has a safe transport system, the growth in trial, together with a significant increase in funding for local transport demand, ageing infrastructure and an increased risk of buses in 2005-06, are 2 initiatives that have already been terrorist activity all contribute to the need to constantly maintain undertaken by the Government. and upgrade transport safety infrastructure and systems. The construction of EastLink, one of the biggest construction Upgrades to infrastructure and key safety systems over the projects undertaken in Australia, will provide much improved past 6 years have maintained high standards of safety across road links in to the east and south east of Melbourne and Victoria’s public transport network. The Regional Fast Rail through to the CBD. Project has provided the opportunity to introduce a higher standard of safety features on regional lines, including upgraded signalling and emergency systems. The Government’s program of upgrading core rail infrastructure in the City Loop and inner corridors will also enable the upgrading and replacing of control, management, monitoring and communications systems – all vital elements in delivering high standards of safety. In the future, new trains on both regional and metropolitan lines will also incorporate improved safety features.

Today’s road toll is 1/3 of the level in 1970











 

  

                                                         

 

 

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 25 Measures introduced by the Government have also led to a substantial decrease in crime on and around public transport Cutting congestion While a level of congestion is an unavoidable aspect of a thriving over the last 5 years. State, it must be managed to reduce its economic, social and Victoria continues to be recognised as a road safety leader, environmental impacts. nationally and internationally, and our recent road tolls have Congestion has been stabilised across much of Victoria, been among the lowest on record. though some areas in Melbourne and the larger regional The Government recognises that transport infrastructure may centres continue to experience increasing congestion. While be a target for terrorist activity and – working together with some congestion is unavoidable, there is a level at which it transport operators – has escalated efforts to improve security starts to detract from liveability, reduces the reliability of travel, across Victoria’s transport network. Victoria’s efforts are being increases transport costs and has the potential to adversely coordinated with national developments that aim to identify affect Victoria’s economy. Road congestion not only impacts and address potential security threats, reduce the possible on people in cars, it also affects the reliability of tram and bus consequences of such activity and prevent disruption of services and the capacity of businesses to move freight. essential services. There is no single, simple solution to managing congestion. The Government will continue to improve the safety and security Sustainable management of congestion will require an of our transport network by: integrated approach involving infrastructure provision, far- sighted land use planning, and changes in behaviour by undertaking a long-term program of investment in safety individuals, businesses and government. assets across the State’s transport network introducing new, safer technologies and practices where The Metropolitan Transport Plan identified 4 strategies for warranted managing congestion: adopting a more robust regulatory approach to monitor risks improving the reliability and flow of road-based public and working with transport operators to minimise risks transport improving security risk planning throughout the transport making existing roads operate better network to address the potential threat of terrorism and improving service coordination, integration and customer continuing to place a high priority on road safety. interface and promoting sustainable travel through better demand management. These strategies have been used to inform a range of transport and infrastructure improvements: some have already been initiated (such as tram and bus priority, Park & Ride facilities) and others will be rolled out over the next 10 years.

26 Section Three Priorities The Government has also asked the Victorian Competition Over the last 2 decades, demand for train travel by commuters and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to examine the problem has grown 43%, with a further 6.5% growth in the past half-year. of congestion in Victoria and explore measures implemented Commuters’ destinations have also changed. These changes, in other major international cities to find practical approaches combined with population growth across Melbourne, have to addressing transport congestion. The VCEC’s draft report resulted in congestion on the rail network – with some lines was released in April 2006 and includes a number of reform more affected than others. options that are consistent with projects included in Meeting The largest demands are confined to peak periods – between Our Transport Challenges. The final report of the VCEC inquiry 7.30am to 9.30am and between 4.00pm to 6.00pm on will be delivered in late 2006. weekdays. During the morning peak alone, the rail network carries more than 95,000 people. On the Dandenong corridor, Rail congestion and capacity more than 12,000 people catch trains in the morning peak. Congestion is most often associated with car travel, but can also have a major impact on public transport. This puts pressure on the capacity of the system. The situation is compounded by the community expectation that the system When Victoria’s public transport network was first built in will continue to provide a mix of express and stopping services the 19th century, the rail system served country passengers – a reflection of the modern travel requirements of commuters, travelling to the city, Melburnians travelling to and from the which sees demand for travel both into the CBD and between outer suburbs and inner city and freight trains. All these types destinations along the rail corridors. of services – each with their own particular and often conflicting requirements – still run on the network today. Melbourne’s rail network has been under continual strain as capacity has been added to the track over the years through A further complicating factor is that the light and heavy rail the addition of more lines and more services – for example, network was built on lines radiating from the city centre along the progressive triplication program in the mid-1960s to early corridors where housing was being built. However, as patterns 1970s deployed for the Burnley Group (including the Lilydale, of residential development and travel have changed, more Belgrave, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines) to meet the growing cross-town connections are required. needs of those communities. However, the options for further stretching and straining of the network are very limited and we must look at new solutions.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 27 The actual physical constraints of rail infrastructure – such For the growing number of residents and industries that as bridges, under and overpasses, and the length of station locate in outer areas, increasing demands for personal platforms – means that seemingly straightforward solutions travel, the use of road-based public transport and increasing such as adding additional carriages to trains and including freight movements into and out of these areas will make the double-decker carriages are not practical. development of outer metropolitan arterial roads an essential element in the delivery of local transport services. As a result, boosting the network’s capacity requires not only upgrades to signalling and control systems, but major The second issue is the structure and performance of the infrastructure works such as the building of additional tracks freeway network. As peak demand on Melbourne’s freeways and major signalling system upgrades along segments of track grows, relieving congestion will become increasingly important where constraints exist (such as on the Dandenong Line and in the network being able to maintain a range of functions, the Northern Rail Group), and adding extra rolling stock. including: This means that for the future health of the system, a mix of interconnecting key freight centres, including the port and the immediate, (timetable adjustments), medium (additional rolling industrial areas in the outer west, north and south-east stock and track and signalling upgrades) and medium to long providing efficient connections to the major highways to term (further duplication and triplication of lines) solutions to provincial Victoria and interstate capacity problems will need to be put in place. a wide range of personal and commercial trips of varying An important challenge also exists in increasing patronage length, as people use segments of the freeway network in levels in off-peak periods. The rail network can perform a bigger conjunction with the ordinary arterial roads role in the broader travel market if it is better integrated into Improving the capacity of east-west connections across the rest of the PPTN. Efficient connections to the cross-town Melbourne will also be critical to reducing congestion and (SmartBus) network will be critical to ensuring that the capacity meeting the growing demand for cross-town travel. of the rail system can be improved by attracting more off-peak patronage.

Road congestion and capacity Growing the whole State Unconstrained growth in road travel is unsustainable and the A better integrated transport system will contribute to the provision of attractive and well-patronised public transport Government’s goal of growing the whole State and creating alternatives is critical to Melbourne’s future liveability. further investment and employment opportunities in provincial Victoria. Currently, there are approximately 1.25 million car trips on the metropolitan arterial road network during the morning 2-hour Provincial Victoria is thriving, enjoying strong economic, jobs, peak period. Unless public transport increases its share of trips investment and population growth. This growth has been to work, school and other peak period destinations, this number greatly helped by the Government’s investment in the State’s is likely to grow by a further 400,000 over the next 25 years. rail and road transport backbone and in the development of an integrated arterial road network that connects growth areas and There are limits to the impact that public transport system regional centres to major transport networks. improvements can have. This is because the current number of people travelling by car is several times higher than those using Further investment is needed to provide regional communities public transport (meaning that a small reduction in car usage with greater access to these arterial networks and to better requires a very large increase in public transport usage in relative link regional centres with each other and with Melbourne terms). Consequently, road travel is expected to increase – with 2 and beyond. key implications for road planning and development.

28 Section Three Priorities Being able to move products to domestic and global markets It is also important to identify and secure reservations for future quickly and efficiently is also critical to Victoria’s future major road and transport options and corridors, particularly economic growth and liveability. This will require long-term in Melbourne’s growing satellite towns, such as Bacchus decisions about the extent to which we use our road and rail Marsh, Melton, Gisborne and Sunbury. Planning must also networks to move goods and the infrastructure needed to be undertaken to support future development of the public support growth in these networks. transport system that meets the changing needs and lifestyles of Victorians. The Government will continue to develop a transport network that supports growth across the whole State by: Long-term urban and land-use planning are also vitally important to future liveability and to the development of a making it easier for more people to access arterial networks sustainable transport system. by providing safer and more integrated roads and more local public transport services Alongside specific planning policies and strategies, such as building better regional freight and supply chain links Melbourne 2030, the Government has also introduced major new policies to reform the way government works. These providing more public transport alternatives to people living in reforms include giving people and communities more choice provincial Victoria and to Melbourne’s outer suburbs, in making decisions for themselves; making services more including new bus services in regional growth areas localised and relevant to communities; making sure that continuing to upgrade corridors linking Melbourne and the government agencies work more closely together; and building major regional centres of Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo, new partnerships between the Government, local councils, Shepparton and Traralgon businesses and community groups. These reforms will have a delivering initiatives included in the Government’s strategy for significant positive impact on the quality of future planning and Provincial Victoria: Moving Forward: making Provincial Victoria decision-making about Victoria’s transport system. the best place to live, work and Invest The Government also recognises that the legislative, regulatory, governance and administrative arrangements supporting Victoria’s transport system must be modernised to meet future Planning for the future challenges and to support a more integrated and coordinated Foresight and long-term planning in transport are critical to approach to transport and land use planning and policy. maintaining Victoria’s liveability over the decades ahead. Historic underspending in Victoria’s transport infrastructure has meant that significant investment has been needed in recent years simply to ensure the ongoing viability of some parts of the transport system, such as the regional rail network. Long-term planning is essential to making sure that we do not leave future generations of Victorians a similar legacy – and that the decisions we make now ensure that our children and grandchildren retain the capability and flexibility to respond to the economic, social and environmental challenges facing them. To achieve that goal, we must find ways to build a more sustainable transport system that will support ongoing economic prosperity over the long-term.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 29

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Actions

Action 1: Delivering for the future

Meeting Our Transport Challenges will inject an $41 million provided by VicTrack for a program to unprecedented $10.5 billion into a major program improve safety at level crossings. of transport projects over the next 10 years – the biggest single investment in the transport system In addition, the Commonwealth Government has undertaken by a Victorian Government. committed $265 million to support the Western Highway – Deer Park Bypass project and a further $8.8 billion has been committed for new transport $248 million of Commonwealth funding is anticipated projects and around $1.7 billion has been for the West Gate Bridge strengthening and rural committed to fund additional recurrent service roads projects. costs. The public transport projects committed to in The $8.8 billion for new transport projects will be Meeting Our Transport Challenges that benefit new funded from a number of sources, including: communities in the growth areas will be considered $2.2 billion from the Better Roads Victoria program for inclusion in the first State Development to fund metropolitan and regional arterial road Contribution Plan in accordance with the principles projects and objectives set out in A Plan For Melbourne’s Growth Areas. $600 million provided by the Transport Accident Commission to extend the successful Safer Roads Infrastructure Program

A new Meeting Our Transport Challenges Funding has already been allocated from the Reserve Reserve to commence a range of projects. The Major transport infrastructure projects often remainder of projects included in Meeting Our take many years to develop and deliver – and Transport Challenges – those projects that have must keep pace over long periods of time not been developed to a point where they are with the growing and changing needs of our ready to commence – will be sourced from the economy. The Government recognises that balance of the Reserve as they are progressively future governments will need the capacity to implemented over the next 10 years. continue this major program of investment and to Establishing the Reserve as a specific budget develop new projects to meet Victoria’s changing provision will ensure that sufficient funds transport requirements. are set aside for these longer term projects. To ensure that Victoria has the capacity to meet The Government will also ensure maximum changing transport needs – and manage future transparency and accountability by reporting on economic, social and environmental challenges projects that are funded from the Reserve. – the Government will establish the Meeting Our Transport Challenges Reserve. The Government will allocate $5.9 billion to the Meeting Our Transport Challenges Reserve over the next 10 years.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 33 In addition to these funding sources, the the $1.6 billion already committed by this Government will create the Meeting Our Transport Government to infrastructure projects over the next Challenges Reserve to fund the remainder of 4 years transport projects. Victoria’s share of future transport project funding The $10.5 billion investment in Meeting Our to be received from the Commonwealth Transport Challenges is in addition to: Government

Linking transport and land use for the future The legislative review will aim to reform and Victoria must also have the capability to plan modernise Victoria’s current transport legislation comprehensively for the future and develop and develop a coordinated framework to support more sustainable approaches to managing and implement the Government’s 25-year plan transport and land use. Building this capability for transport set out in Meeting Our Transport requires legislative, governance and institutional Challenges. arrangements that are up-to-date and relevant to Following the review, new legislation will be the current situation – as well as being able to give introduced into the Parliament in 2007-08. effect to the changes Victoria will need to make to our transport system over the next 25 years. The Government will also establish a new position of Coordinator General The Government will conduct a of Infrastructure (CGI) to improve the comprehensive review of transport coordination and integration of transport legislation, with the aim of reforming and and land use planning and policy. modernising the legislation to ensure it supports Victoria’s current and future needs. Further details on the CGI’s role, powers and responsibilities will be clarified in late 2006.

34 Section Four Actions Action 2: Creating a cross-town transport network for Melbourne

With people, industries and jobs now much more of radial, arterial and orbital routes within and widely dispersed throughout Melbourne, our existing between suburbs and across the city. radial public transport system needs upgrading and For the first time, the new network will enable people extending to better serve the needs of Melburnians. living in Melbourne’s middle and outer suburbs Modern, convenient and reliable bus services offer the to travel directly between major suburban centres best public transport option for the growing number of without going through the CBD – and it will give all people who regularly travel across town and between Melburnians greater transport choices when travelling suburbs, rather than to and from the CBD. around the city. The Government will inject $1.4 billion over 10 The new network will help to reduce traffic congestion, years to develop a cross-town transport network generate investment and employment opportunities in for Melbourne. New SmartBus routes, supported growing suburban centres and improve the amenity by major improvements to local bus services, and liveability of local communities. will connect with the rail network to create a grid

SmartBus expansion The SmartBus concept has been demonstrated The Government will complete a new 900 km successfully in Melbourne’s east – along network of cross-town SmartBus routes on major Blackburn, Springvale and Warrigal Roads – with arterial roads, including 4 new orbital routes patronage growing more than 30% soon after through Melbourne’s northern and western the services commenced and high levels of suburbs. customer satisfaction being recorded. The SmartBus expansion will complete the PPTN, The SmartBus extension will be delivered in 4 reduce congestion and meet the changing needs stages. and requirements of suburban commuters, Stage 1 of the program includes completing students and shoppers. routes already committed for Wellington Road SmartBus is a premium bus service that offers and Stud Road. Services on Wellington Road more frequent and reliable services and longer will begin later this year, with Stud Road services operating hours. Buses operate along major starting by the end of 2007. arterial roads, connecting activity centres and Stage 2 will see the development of 4 orbital interchanging with the rail network. SmartBus routes through the northern and western suburbs services have the ability to change traffic lights with improved links to rail and other services. from red to green to deliver speedier, more reliable services. They also provide state-of-the- art digital displays along bus routes, providing passengers with up-to-the-minute information about services and timetables.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 35 SmartBus Stage 2 will feature: Stages 3 will extend the Green Orbital to increased service hours (5.00am to midnight Werribee and introduce the Blue Orbital from on weekdays, plus weekend services) Sandringham to Williamstown (via Clifton Hill, Moonee Ponds and Footscray). increased service frequency (at approximately 15 minute intervals on weekdays and Stage 4 will complete the SmartBus network of approximately 30 minute intervals on more than 900km of cross-town connections. weekends) Full details will be provided following the completion of further assessments. extensive bus priority accessible to people with disabilities at more than 850 stops static information displays at all stops and 430 real time information displays

Timelines Red Orbital Stage 2– works to commence in 2006. Green Orbital Stage 2 – works to commence in 2007-08. Yellow Orbital Stage 2 – works to commence in 2008-09. Stage 3 (completion of Green and Blue Orbitals) – works to commence 2010-11. Stage 4 (completion of SmartBus network) – works to commence 2011-12.

36 Section four Actions SmartBus will add orbital links to the Melbourne radial public transport network, and connections to local communities

Epping 4 Broadmeadows

Sydenham Eltham 4

Footscray Ringwood Box HilHill

Altona Glen Waverley

Werribee 4 Sandringham 4 Dandenong Mordialloc Port Phillip Bay NORTH 05 10 km

Frankston

SmartBus Routes Existing SmartBus routes: Future SmartBus routes: Springvale Road Blue Orbital Existing urban area Blackburn Road Red Orbital Major road Warrigal Road Green Orbital Rail network Yellow Orbital Transit City Caulfield to Rowville via Wellington Road 4 Airport

Source: Department of Infrastructure 2006

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 37 Improvements to local metropolitan bus In addition, services on more than 250 existing services routes will be upgraded, featuring: Local bus services are a vital link in the public services from at least 6am to 9pm weekdays transport network, providing for local travel needs and delivering connections to the new services from at least 8am to 9pm on cross-town bus network and the rail network. Saturdays This program will create new bus routes and services from at least 9am to 9pm on Sundays improve existing services in Melbourne’s middle higher frequencies on selected routes and outer suburbs. It will deliver access to better services for most of the 2 million Melburnians This represents the most significant upgrade of who live beyond walking distance of the train and bus services in a generation. tram networks. Bus routes will also be extended In addition, the Government will ensure that into new suburbs as they grow. future contracts reflect these improved standards of service.

Timelines Improvements will be made progressively over 4 years from late 2006.

Doncaster bus upgrade The upgrade will: Unlike other radial corridors in Melbourne, increase hours of operation the Doncaster corridor relies on buses for commuting into central Melbourne. However, increase bus frequencies, particularly in off- existing services do not offer a level of service peak periods comparable with trains and trams. provide on-road bus priority measures to The Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) project deliver a faster and more reliable service will upgrade bus services along the corridor to a provide more Park & Ride opportunities and level of service comparable with rail. facilitate use by people with disabilities and restricted mobility

Timelines Improvements will be made progressively over 2 years, commencing in 2009.

38 Section Four Actions Action 3: Boosting Melbourne’s rail network

As demand by Melbourne commuters for train travel Melbourne’s rail capacity will be boosted by continues to grow, congestion on the rail network is an investment of more than $2 billion over the becoming an increasing problem, especially during next 10 years – the biggest investment in the rail peak periods. To meet the needs of commuters now network since the construction of the City Loop – and into the future, new solutions must be found to with new projects designed to meet current and provide additional capacity across the rail network. future demand for train travel across Melbourne.

Rail Net: boosting capacity on Melbourne’s Adjustments to the existing 2006 timetable to rail network include extra metropolitan peak services The Government will create a new Rail Network Improvements to the existing 2006 timetable Capacity Improvement Program: 2006-2030 (Rail will provide extra morning peak services on Net) to deliver a range of projects designed to the Broadmeadows line and the Sydenham, overcome constraints and free up capacity in the Werribee and Dandenong (shoulder peak) existing rail network. lines (one extra service per line). Rail capacity projects are complex major In the evening peak period, an extra service projects that take time to develop and will be provided on the Sydenham and implement. Rail Net will provide a staged Dandenong (shoulder peak) lines. approach to delivering these projects, with effort and investment initially directed towards making Provision of additional peak services from 2007 sure that our core rail infrastructure and services through major changes to the current are working to maximum efficiency and capacity. timetable, facilitated by minor infrastructure works Rail Net will involve a significant program of works, operational changes and additions to A new 2007 timetable will be developed, rolling stock and will be the biggest investment involving operational changes. These changes in the metropolitan rail network since the will enable extra services to be added in peak construction of the City Loop. periods. Over time, these capacity improvements will Additional services will be focussed on the reduce overcrowding and travel times, deliver Sydenham and Dandenong corridors, with the more reliable and frequent services, and provide potential for extra services on the Clifton Hill better facilities at stations and interchanges. corridor. Short Term Capacity Solutions The introduction of the new SmartCard To address existing short term capacity issues ticketing system in 2007 will also create new over the next 5 years, a series of measures are opportunities to offer fares that will encourage planned: more people to travel before and after peak times.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 39 Rail capacity improvement program > upgrade signalling between Sunshine and 2006 to 2030: Sydenham Dandenong/Caulfield Rail Corridor > upgrade Werribee Station and stabling From 2008, the Government will progressively: > provide Broadmeadows Corridor stabling > construct a third track between Caulfield > investigate the Roxburgh Park to Upfield and Springvale Link > upgrade Pakenham Station and Stabling > construct a third track between Altona > add new stabling to the Cranbourne line Junction and Newport > construct a third track between Springvale > upgrade Old Geelong Road level crossing and Dandenong South Morang Rail Extension/Clifton Hill > construct new platforms at Dandenong and Corridor Sandringham stations From 2008, the Goverment will: > upgrade Frankston stabling > progressively extend the rail line from Northern Rail Group Epping to South Morang, with funds committed in the first instance to duplicate From 2006, the Government will progressively: the track between Clifton Hill and Westgarth > upgrade North Melbourne Station City Loop and Inner Core Program interchange From 2008, the Government will progressively: > upgrade signalling on the Werribee Rail Corridor > upgrade Loop signalling > construct a third track between Sunshine > upgrade Flinders Street Station and West Footscray > upgrade Richmond Station

New train stations in growing suburbs The Government will build new stations on New train stations are required to support existing rail lines, providing rapidly growing outer increased patronage in growth areas and metropolitan areas with access to high capacity increases in transfers between trains and buses public transport. as the network expands away from fixed rail. New stations will be built at Point Cook, Cardinia Road and Lynbrook.

Timelines New stations in growth areas project will commence in 2011-12.

40 Section Four Actions New rail investment will increase the reliability and frequency of services

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MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 41 Action 4: Improving metropolitan train and tram services While Melbourne’s train and tram services are The Government will provide $1.8 billion over 10 recognised as being of a high quality, significant years to significantly improve Melbourne’s train improvements will need to be made over the next 10 and tram services, supporting increasing demand years to meet growing demand, upgrade outdated in growing areas and encouraging greater use of systems and take advantage of new technologies. public transport.

More and better train and tram services services on all lines except Alamein and Melbourne showed during the Commonwealth Williamstown (train) and Route 82 Footscray to Games that the city’s public transport system Moonee Ponds (tram). can deliver late night services – and that there is This will result in last trains leaving the city public support for such services. between 1.00am and 1.25am, with trains running Commencing in late 2006, the Government will with passengers until 2.15am. extend the operating hours of the metropolitan train network and tram network on Friday and Saturday nights and provide 2 additional

New trains and trams New trams are also needed to accommodate Replacement of trains is a major and essential growing demand for tram travel being driven by investment to ensure standards of comfort, high intensity development in inner-suburbs and safety and reliability are sustained, the changing by car drivers transferring to tram travel. needs and expectations of commuters are met Also commencing in 2011, the Government will and growth in capacity is accommodated. commence a program to increase the current Commencing in 2010-11, the Government tram fleet, including the purchase of more next- will purchase new trains to meet the demand generation low floor trams. The new trams will for additional trains that will be created by carry twice as many passengers as the old ‘Z- improvements in track capacity. The program class’ trams, improve the operational reliability also provides for the replacement of Comeng and safety performance of the tram fleet, and Hitachi trains and the expansion of the and help to attract more people – particularly fleet to operate additional services to address commuters – from cars to public transport. overcrowding. The tram replacement program will also assist Victoria to meet national access standards and Upgrading the tram fleet will improve the requirements for people with disabilities. operations, reliability and safety of the fleet and – in conjunction with the construction of platform stops – will reduce barriers to travel for people with disabilities.

Timelines The purchase of new trains and trams will commence in 2010-11.

42 Section Four Actions New high-tech train control and Replacing Metrol systems will provide for: communications systems increased capacity High quality train control and management systems are essential to operating an efficient, improved safety and security safe and reliable train network – and to ensuring improved service coordination and a secure platform for future expansion of the integration network. improve customer information and display The replacement of older metropolitan train boards network management systems will ensure the more efficient and safer management of improved operation of the existing public services by allowing increased speed and transport network loadings across the network, with associated Train Communications improvements to customer service. The Metropolitan Train Safety Communications Metrol System Project will replace the existing The Metropolitan Train Control Facility, known as metropolitan train radio system with a railway- ‘Metrol’, is fundamental to the efficient and safe specific digital platform designed to carry both operation of the metropolitan rail network. Metrol voice and data. is an operations centre, which has a number of The voice services will allow immediate computerised systems and manual processes operational issues such as track intruders, that are used to manage train movements on the accidents or other emergencies to be managed metropolitan rail network. immediately. The data services will enable Metrol was first installed in 1982, in conjunction communication with the train control system, with the Melbourne Underground Loop allow automated reporting of train position Project. Technological changes and increased and speed to improve safety management, operational expectations now require the and underpin improved passenger information replacement of the system. services and displays. These new high-tech systems will offer considerable benefits to passengers by enabling better responses to rail incidents and delays, and providing more accurate information to customers.

Timelines The Metrol and Train Communications projects will commence in 2006-07.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 43 Improving traffic priority for trams In addition, the program will facilitate the and buses improvement of tram operations through Tram speeds now average 16kph and are Melbourne’s prime tram corridor, St Kilda Road, falling. Low speeds and unreliable run times add which caters for approximately 47.4 million significantly to the costs of running services. passenger journeys annually, by: Programs that increase the priority afforded rebuilding tram stops to provide high quality to buses (SmartBus) and trams (Think Tram) platform access deliver improved travel times, greater amenity, better travel conditions and increased capacity. undertaking track works to allow trams to They also help to reduce congestion by ensuring pass each other that transport services operate at maximum providing traffic priority at intersections efficiency. implementation of high urban design To improve the reliability of road-based public standards transport, the Government will continue the Think Tram program to 2010-11 and extend its integration into the ‘St Kilda Boulevard’ application to key bus routes. strategy The upgrade program provides: This will improve reliability and travel time of the services, enhance the amenity of tram stops and priority treatment for trams and/or buses at improve passenger safety. intersections and on approaches increased segregation between trams and/ or buses and other road users urban design improvements safe access to services for users

Timelines Think Tram – and bus priority improvements – will be extended to 2010-11. Government will review the effectiveness of tram priority measures in 2011. St Kilda road Tram Upgrade project will commence in 2007-08.

44 Section Four Actions Action 5: Delivering first class public transport for Provincial Victoria

Improved transport links – such as upgraded road The Government will invest an additional $510 corridors and the Regional Fast Rail project – are million over the next 10 years in public transport playing a key role in stimulating growth in many parts across provincial Victoria, building on record of provincial Victoria. However, strong population levels of investment in regional infrastructure to growth in provincial Victoria is creating new transport make sure that people living in regional areas and liveability challenges, including the need for have access to jobs, shopping centres, health better connections within regional centres, between services, and recreational activities. centres and outlying towns, and between regional areas and Melbourne.

Better regional bus services and more innovative and flexible demand- connections responsive services Regional communities experiencing rapid services to connect regional communities to growth and change need good access to the Regional Fast Rail network public transport to meet new challenges and make easier connections to Regional Fast Rail improved service levels at night and on services. weekends in major regional centres including Ballarat, Latrobe Valley, Bendigo, The Government will provide additional coach Ararat, Colac and Leongatha and bus services across provincial Victoria, building on major service improvements already services to assist local students and youth announced in Moving Forward, will benefit in accessing tertiary education, jobs and around 70 regional communities. community facilities Commencing in 2007, the Government will The Government will also upgrade regional provide: transport interchanges to make it easier, faster and more convenient to connect from buses to services in new regional growth areas where rail services. currently none exist

Timelines Regional Bus Improvements Program will commence in July 2007.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 45 Mildura rail line upgrade We will upgrade the standard of the track to Subject to receiving $20 million of AusLink allow greatly improved freight services to north- funding and commercial negotiation with the west of Victoria. Achieving higher quality rail track operator, the Government will invest $50 infrastructure to this region will be an important million to works on the rail track between Ballarat first step in reintroducing passenger rail services and Mildura. The rail line from Ballarat to Mildura to the Mildura corridor. is approximately 450km in length, with 240km of The Government will continue to work through track currently under speed restriction due to the the wide ranging and complex issues to improve quality of the line. services along this corridor.

Timelines This project will start in 2006-07.

New and refurbished trains $13 million program to refit V/Line’s train fleet To attract passengers – and help to boost of locomotives and sprinter cars as outlined in economic growth and development in provincial Moving Forward: making provincial Victoria the Victoria – regional rail services must be best place to live, work and invest. consistent and reliable, and meet the safety and In addition, carriage doors on N, S and Z class comfort expectations of passengers. locomotive hauled trains have no central locking The Regional Train Rolling Stock Program system. In 2006, the Government will commence will enable the progressive retirement of the a program to fit these 85 trains with door safety locomotive-hauled V/Line trains to ensure mechanisms that only V/Line staff will be able to consistent and reliable delivery of services. use to open the doors. This will ensure that the From 2011, the Government will commence the doors cannot be opened by passengers while purchase of new trains to meet life-expectancy the train is in transit. requirements. This program complements the

Timelines Regional Rolling Stock Program will commence in 2011. N, S and Z Class door safety program will commence in late 2006.

46 Section Four Actions Rural school bus program Work carried out under the program aims to Encouraging greater public transport use separate bus and non-bus traffic (parents’ and requires the provision of services that are not teachers’ cars, pedestrians and non-bus users), only efficient and affordable, but also as safe as remove the necessity for buses to reverse in possible. The Government will make sure that loading areas, provide safety fencing between students living in provincial Victoria have access student marshalling areas and roadways, and to safe, efficient public transport by extending improve student amenity through the provision the Rural school bus program. of bus shelters. The Rural school bus program consists of Works at roadside bus stops include: capital works designed to improve the safety provision of gravelled hard standing areas of school transport facilities at primary and for buses secondary schools, and at roadside school bus stops throughout regional Victoria. road shoulder widening to allow buses to stand clear of through traffic The extended program will continue the work of the initial program (Stage 1), which was visibility improvements through foliage and completed in June 2004 and which provided shrub removal $10 million for safety improvements at over 120 provision of shelters where appropriate school located bus interchanges and about 600 roadside school bus stops. About 60 school bus interchanges will receive improvements under the Stage 2 Program. A Improvements at school bus interchanges further 1000 roadside school bus stops will also include: receive safety improvements. road works construction of bus bays improvements to student waiting areas (shelters etc.) safety fencing

Timelines Rural School Bus Program (Stage 2) will commence in 2006-07.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 47 Better taxi services for regional Measures will include: communities increased business support and training for The Government recognises the vital role country taxi operators taxis play in many regional communities and will introduce a new package of measures to greater operational flexibility – for instance, address the financial hardship faced by many in hours of operation taxi operators in provincial Victoria, and to reduced fees and charges ensure that regional communities continue to enjoy the benefit of a local taxi service. a $2 million fund to assist the purchase of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis by operators in country communities greater flexibility for operators wishing to negotiate competitive fares

Timelines The introduction of these new measures will commence in 2006.

48 Section Four Actions Action 6: Building better road connections

As more people settle in new growth areas on manage a much greater capacity and provide better Melbourne’s fringe, and as regional centres continue cross-town and regional connections. to grow, Victoria’s arterial roads must be able to

Better connections for Melbourne’s The provision of high standard roads connecting growing suburbs activity centres for buses and cars will also assist in the appropriate development and use of these The Government will provide $1.2 billion centres. Currently, 20% of highly congested over 10 years to deliver a major program of roads in the outer metro area provide links to arterial road projects across Melbourne’s Transit Cities or Principal Activity Centres. outer suburbs, creating better cross-town connections, boosting capacity, improving There are approximately 3500 car casualty safety and reducing congestion. crashes on outer metropolitan roads each year The Government is building an integrated and and upgrading these roads will help to reduce safe arterial road network that connects growth road fatalities and serious injuries, and address areas to the major transport networks, supports the $600 million annual cost of these crashes to more direct local and cross-town bus services Victoria. and provides for pedestrians and cyclists. In growing areas close to major industry Through the Outer Metropolitan Arterial Roads precincts (such as Laverton, Campbellfield and Program, the Government will address gaps in South Dandenong), arterial upgrades will make cross-town connectivity and improve access special provision for freight vehicles. from outer residential areas to employment In the short-term, priority will be given destinations, schools and activity centres, as well to delivering projects through the Outer as links to the wider road and public transport Metropolitan Arterial Roads Program that: networks. improve cross-town and regional Improvements under the program will boost connections capacity on the road network in Melbourne’s growing outer areas, reduce congestion, improve provide access to Transit Cities and activity cross-town connections and help to improve the centres reliability of bus services. upgrade major public transport routes tackle safety and performance problems Features of the program will include improved access for outer suburban residents and businesses, reduced congestion and travel costs, and improved safety.

Timelines Outer Metropolitan Arterial Roads Program is an ongoing program.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 49 Western Highway – Deer Park Bypass a grade separation of the Melbourne- With $265 million of Commonwealth assistance, Ballarat rail line the Government will invest $61 million to begin The construction of the bypass will: construction of the Western Highway-Deer Park Bypass. This will boost road capacity and eliminate 20 intersections, including 6 sets reduce congestion in Melbourne’s growing outer of traffic lights western suburbs. bypass the current highway, which is often This project will involve: congested construction of a new Freeway Link between improve safety (there have been 250 the Western Highway at Caroline Springs to casualty crashes on the highway between the Western Ring Road Caroline Springs and the Western Ring Road) construction of an interchange further west, at Leakes Road near Rockbank remove around 50% of traffic from the existing highway through Deer Park interchanges with the bypass at Western Highway, Christies Road, Riding Boundary shorten travel times Road, Robinsons Road and Fitzgeralds Road

Major upgrades of regional roads In addition, the Government has worked As provincial Victoria continues to grow – and in partnership with the Commonwealth to population, travel and commuting patterns upgrade to freeway standard corridors linking change – maintaining and improving the regional Melbourne and the major regional centres of arterial road network will be vital for boosting Ballarat, Geelong, Bendigo, Shepparton and economic development, providing access to Traralgon. This program is well advanced, with jobs and services, creating better links between work commencing or already underway on the regional centres, and improving the liveability of Pakenham Bypass, the Geelong Bypass, and regional communities. the Calder Highway duplication. The Government will invest $690 million Through the Rural Arterial Road Investment over 10 years in a program of new projects Program, the Government will continue to to upgrade regional arterial roads and provide quality arterial roads and bridges across bridges across provincial Victoria. provincial Victoria that will support regional business and industry, improve connections Since 1999, the Government has spent almost between regional towns and centres, $400 million to build and upgrade regional and contribute to economic and industry roads, including arterial road projects, arterial development in regional areas. bridge replacements, rural road reconstruction and other road improvements.

50 Section Four Actions Rural arterial road investment program will: These programs are in addition to the improve access for all Victorians to services Government’s ongoing $40 million annual in major regional centres and Melbourne commitment to maintain and rehabilitate the regional arterial road network and strengthen reduce the number of crashes across the bridges. regional road network (the current rate of fatalities is rural areas is 2 to 3 times higher The Government will also work within the than in the metropolitan area) national AusLink program to expand the existing regional road duplication program to include: improve safety and amenity in towns where bypasses are planned Princes Highway from Traralgon to Sale continue to support bridge strengthening on Western Highway beyond Ballarat the arterial road network to maintain access Princes Highway west of Geelong for freight vehicles Nagambie and Shepparton bypasses provide consistent standards along major routes by shoulder sealing and bridge Realignment of Western Highway (Melton to widening Bacchus Marsh) facilitate economic growth and regional Caulder Highway – Safety access controls development by reducing industry transport Grade separations of Western Highway in costs, improving community amenity and Ararat improving access to key tourist areas Other key regional routes that require sections to be duplicated include South Gippsland Highway, Bass Highway and Midland Highway.

Timelines Rural Arterial Road Investment Program is an ongoing program.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 51 Action 7: Delivering a better link between the east and west of Melbourne The Monash-West Gate corridor is one of Victoria’s most The Government will fund a major $740 million important road connections. With CityLink providing a package of improvements for the Monash-West direct connection between the Monash and West Gate Gate corridor to maintain it as an efficient east- Freeways, the route now provides access to Melbourne’s west route across Melbourne. CBD from the south-east and the west, as well as being In addition Government will fund $120 million a vital link between the east and west of the city. of essential Bridge strengthening works on Strong growth in suburbs along the route, and the West Gate Bridge, and seek equivalent increased freight through the Port of Melbourne, Commonwealth funding. means that the corridor is experiencing congestion The Government will also take steps to fully explore during peak periods, is vulnerable to short term and access options for the development of another interruptions and is rapidly approaching capacity. east-west link.

Monash-West Gate improvement package adding an extra lane on the Monash The West Gate and Monash Freeways carry Freeway in each direction to Heatherton traffic volumes in excess of 168,000 each day. Road Commercial vehicles make up 13% to 15% of traffic widening the West Gate Freeway between volume, increasing to 21% on the Southern Link of CityLink Tunnels and the Bolte Bridge to CityLink (between the tunnels and Toorak Road), separate merging and weaving movements depending upon the time of day. Travel along the Monash-West Gate route has increased at an changing traffic flows on the West Gate annual rate of 3% to 5% over the past 4 years. Bridge and approaches during peak periods The corridor is experiencing congestion in both ramp metering from Narre Warren to directions in the morning and afternoon peak Hoppers Crossing periods, resulting from the rapid growth in dynamic lane management and intelligent residential and industrial developments in the transport systems applications cities of Wyndham, Brimbank, Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia, and along the Western Ring Road. The package will: Considerable weaving and merging significantly improve the efficiency of the freeways by reduces traffic flow and slows travel between increasing throughput by up to 50%, closely spaced entry/exit ramps on the inner reducing travel times, and increasing travel section of the corridor. The breakdown of traffic flow time reliability along the corridor leads to significant increases in improve access to the freeway network for travel time and greater potential for accidents. priority road users (such as trucks, buses The improvement package will significantly and high occupancy vehicles) improve the performance out of the existing corridor over the short to medium term through a range of measures, including: Timelines Monash – West Gate improvement projects will be funded from 2006-07.

52 Section Four Actions Strengthening the West Gate Bridge To expand the lifespan of this important transport The West Gate Bridge is one of only 5 bridges of link, the Government will seek a partnership with its type in the world. It is also the only bridge of the Commonwealth to undertake strengthening this type that has not undergone strengthening of the Bridge. works. The Bridge was initially designed to carry loads of 25 tonnes and is now carrying loads of up to 68 tonnes. A recent analysis has indicated that, while the Bridge remains safe, structural works will be required within the next 10 years.

Timelines Design work on the West Gate Bridge strengthening will commence in 2006-07.

Flexible lanes on the West Gate Bridge will increase its capacity in peak travel times.

More lanes during morning peak.

Current lane useage on West Gate Bridge. More lanes during evening peak.

Source: VicRoads

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 53 East-West link needs assessment In late 2006, the Government will commence a Melbourne relies heavily on the Monash-West needs assessment of the east–west corridor and Gate corridor as the only major east-west link to develop options to address future demand along support freight, and private traffic between the the corridor. growth areas west and south-east of the CBD. The assessment will provide a comprehensive Expansion of the port and growth in cross-town basis for future planning of alternatives to the travel demand are putting significant pressure on Monash-West Gate route. It will consider not this corridor and surrounding arterial roads. only private and commercial traffic, but also While the Monash-West Gate improvement how public transport could be integrated into package will relieve growth-driven congestion the corridor. The assessment will investigate in the short to medium term, it is prudent to and make recommendations to the Government thoroughly investigate the need for an alternative on the full range of options, including light rail east-west link. services along the Eastern Freeway, new bus services and interchanges, and other potential solutions.

Timelines East-West link needs assessment will commence in late 2006.

54 Section Four Actions Action 8: Promoting smarter, healthier travel choices

Cutting congestion and reducing reliance on Maintaining the liveability of our cities, towns, cars requires more than the provision of a high suburbs and communities means changing our quality public transport network. It also requires behaviour, leaving our cars at home more often and far-sighted urban and land-use planning, and taking up more sustainable, healthier forms of travel. changes in behaviour by individuals, businesses The Government will invest $135 million to and governments. promote greater use of public transport and to encourage people to walk and cycle on shorter, local trips.

Changing our behaviour 50,000 to 100,000 Victorians. Over the next 4 TravelSmart is a travel behaviour change years, TravelSmart will encourage a substantial program – a ‘demand-side’ initiative aimed at increase in public transport use and a reduced encouraging more sustainable travel behaviour reliance on cars through the following activities: such as walking, cycling and public transport Workplace Green Transport Plans use. The program has already been trialled successfully through a number of community, School Travel Plans workplace, school and university programs. University campus activities TravelSmart aims to make people more aware of their public transport options, the benefits of TravelSmart Local Government grant these options, and how best to use them. projects The Government will continue the TravelSmart program to offer sustainable transport information and support to an additional

Timelines TravelSmart is an ongoing program.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 55 Extending and improving cycling and Melbourne and make improvements to cycling walking options routes in regional Victoria. The total length of the Bicycle and pedestrian programs help to proposed PBN in Melbourne is 2500-3000 km. reduce congestion by providing safe, quality To date, around 25% to 30% of this network has infrastructure that encourages the use of been completed. alternatives to cars. With the increasing development of Transit Cities Over 40% of trips within the metropolitan area and activity centres, and strong population are less than 2km long and almost two-thirds growth across Melbourne and provincial Victoria, are less than 5km long. While there has been a additional funding will be provided to improve 50% increase in cycling to work between 1996 pedestrian facilities, including: and 2001 and growth in walking around the CBD, more pedestrian signals more can be done to encourage further use of these means of travel, especially for shorter, local constructing refuge islands trips. adding fencing to walkways and other The Government will continue to develop the pedestrian facilities Principal Bicycle Network (PBN) in metropolitan

Timelines New bicycle and pedestrian programs will commence in 2006-07.

Local area access demonstration program Projects will be undertaken in both metropolitan The Local Area Access Demonstration Program and regional urban centres. will fund local councils to develop and implement The program will: small-scale ‘demonstration projects’ that improve access to local facilities and services, develop and implement local projects that and support the use of sustainable transport improve transport access alternatives such as walking and cycling. provide an opportunity for councils to share Demonstration projects will typically include knowledge and understanding of local minor infrastructure works to overcome local access issues obstacles that may prevent people from using promote best practice in improving local public transport or walking or cycling around access and tackling mobility issues their local communities. Projects are likely to focus on improving access to railway stations, help build stronger communities by transport interchanges and community services supporting them in developing worthwhile – and may include works such as building better projects and by building better relationships connections between walking and cycling routes, between State and local governments improved signage, lighting and seating, and the provision of information.

Timelines Local area access demonstration program will commence in 2006-07.

56 Section Four Actions Flexible transport solutions communities. Projects will focus on making The Flexible Transport Solutions program will better use and coordination of existing transport assist communities across the State to develop resources, such as public transport, school and oversee transport services to meet local buses, community vehicles and volunteer drivers. needs. The program builds on the success of 9 The Government will support up to 30 local pilot projects delivered though the Transport councils across Victoria – predominantly Connections Program. regional, rural and outer urban municipalities – to deliver innovative projects that improve access to transport for disadvantaged people and isolated

Timelines Funding for programs will be boosted from 2006-07.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 57 Action 9: Creating accessible, connected communities

Maintaining liveability in Melbourne and across The Government will invest $710 million over provincial Victoria requires residential and 10 years in a range of projects to promote commercial development in areas with good better urban planning, improve access to transport links and the integration of public Victoria’s transport network, create better transport, pedestrian and cycling facilities community connections and encourage into the design of cities, towns, suburbs and more Victorians to walk and cycle to their neighbourhoods. destinations.

Making public transport more accessible Improvements made under the program will An important feature of liveable communities is include: that they provide access to services for people Metropolitan train services – access paths, with restricted mobility, such as older people, ramps, surfaces, handrails and grabrails, people with disabilities and parents travelling stairs and tactile ground surface indicators with children. Providing better access to public (TGSIs) transport for these Victorians will contribute to their independence and quality of life, and Tram services – upgraded platform tram enable them to participate actively in society. stops built primarily in medians, more accessible rolling stock, tram right of ways, Through the Public Transport Access Program, wide safety zones where traffic impact the Government will make the public transport would be minimal, and some upgraded network more accessible to people with platform stops in high use locations disabilities and problems with mobility. The program will deliver substantial improvements Bus services – access paths, surfaces and in line with the standards outlined in the TGSIs Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act V/Line Passenger services – access paths, 1992 (DDA). ramps, waiting areas, surfaces, handrails Funding will be provided for a 10 year program and grabrails, lighting, controls, furniture of projects to improve the accessibility of and fittings metropolitan train and tram services, regional This program supplements other projects, and metropolitan bus services and V/Line such as Southern Cross Station, Think Tram, passenger services. SmartBus, Metlink signage and information and the new SmartCard ticketing system, all of which integrate DDA compliance requirements.

Timelines Public transport access is an ongoing program.

58 Section Four Actions More metropolitan Park & Ride facilities The Government will provide additional Park Park & Ride facilities enable passengers & Ride spaces to cater for growing demand. to combine a private car trip with a public The first year of the program will include sites transport trip. Providing this opportunity where Park & Ride facilities can be developed expands the catchment area of the public at grade on VicTrack land. Boom gates will also transport network and potentially diverts be installed at some existing locations to ensure long car trips to public transport. that spaces are used by public transport users only. The effectiveness of these measures will be This combination of modes is already popular in monitored to ensure that the ongoing program is metropolitan Melbourne, with 30,000 car parking sufficiently targeted to attract a high proportion of spaces provided, including approximately 29,000 new public transport users. at suburban rail stations. The strong growth in demand for Park & Ride facilities at railway Subsequent years of the program may include stations is expected to continue. the provision of multi storey car parks. Current Park & Ride facilities are at or near capacity, indicating that the provision of additional places will support and encourage continued growth in this already popular program.

Timelines Metropolitan Park & Ride program funding will be boosted from 2007-08.

Improving metropolitan interchanges gaps in existing facilities, focus on the busiest A modal interchange is a location where various interchanges and aim to improve components public transport services meet (train, tram and/or within facilities that are most important to bus services, including SmartBus services) and passengers. passengers are able to switch between services. The synchronising of train, tram and bus Making changes between trains, trams and buses timetables by the end of 2006 will also as simple and convenient as possible is critical significantly improve transfers between different to making public transport a more attractive modes of transport. travel choice. Transfers are also increasing in These improvements will provide Melburnians importance in Melbourne as the public transport with faster, safer and easier connections between network expands away from fixed rail. different transport modes. It will also make cross- The Government will introduce a 10 year program town travel by public transport a more attractive, to improve access, transfers and amenity at viable and easy alternative to using a car. key modal interchanges across Melbourne. The program will identify and address the largest

Timelines Metropolitan modal interchange program will commence in 2007.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 59 Travel savings for Seniors Concessions for Seniors on V/Line services The Government is committed to improving the will be aligned with metropolitan and regional mobility of Victorian Seniors and will introduce a city bus services, enabling Seniors to travel number of measures to deliver significant travel on V/Line at the concession rate at all times. savings to Seniors on public transport. Victorian Seniors will have the same concession entitlements on V/Line services as Australian In a major new initiative, free travel will be Pensioners or Victorian Health Care Card provided to Victorian Seniors on Sundays holders. within metropolitan Melbourne and within major regional centres, such as Geelong, Ballarat and Victorian pensioners currently receive 1 free travel Bendigo. To obtain free travel, Seniors will apply voucher per year. This voucher can be exchanged for a Sunday Seniors Free Pass at Premium for a Daily Metcard, 2 single V/Line tickets or a Stations or staffed V/Line stations. Day Return V/Line ticket. The Government will expand this program and provide all Victorian Seniors with 2 travel vouchers each year, proving free travel on off-peak V/Line and Metcard services.

Timelines New arrangements for Seniors will commence in late 2006.

Transit Cities 9 metropolitan and 4 regional centres are being The Transit City program is a major Government targeted through the Transit City program. initiative that aims to cluster urban development The Melbourne Transit Cities are Box Hill, around high quality transport services to create Broadmeadows, Dandenong, Ringwood, Epping, vibrant and liveable areas where people can live, Footscray, Frankston, Sydenham and Werribee. work and invest. The Regional Transit Cities are Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley. The program will help link people to services, opportunities and each other by improving Working with key stakeholders, the Government connections between key destinations, will identify opportunities to revitalise these redesigning urban spaces and creating better areas and attract residents, businesses and links with public transport. investment. This may include providing funding to upgrade public transport facilities, including Through urban renewal and regeneration, the Transit better facilities at train stations, new or upgraded City Program aims to reduce congestion by creating bus interchanges, the installation of super stops a well-designed and inviting urban environment, and and improved pedestrian links between transport well-located development and community spaces facilities and with surrounding developments, centred around key transport nodes. services and activities.

60 Section Four Actions $10 million will be invested over the next 4 years The Government has already provided $10 million in the Footscray, Geelong, Ringwood, Ballarat, to open up new development opportunities and Box Hill, Werribee, Epping, Broadmeadows, improve liveability in the Frankston Transit City. Sydenham, Latrobe Valley and Bendigo Transit The Government will also continue to deliver the Cities for new projects such as planning for $200 million Revitalising Central Dandenong transport interchanges, improvements to project, which will kick-start the regeneration of streetscapes and public spaces, mobility and Dandenong and unlock the city’s potential to access improvements and support for urban become a thriving centre in Melbourne’s growing planing and design. south-east corridor.

Timelines Projects have already commenced in several of the designated Transit Cities across Victoria and will be progressively implemented in the remaining Transit Cities in stages.

Planning for the future Possible future road corridors include: Securing reservations for future public transport access to the Port of Hastings works and major road and transport corridors will make the delivery of future transport infrastructure connection between Pakenham and the faster, more timely and cost effective when it is South Gippsland Highway finally required. northern arterial in Park Orchards and The Secure Reservations for Major Transport Croydon Corridors project is protecting options for future outer metropolitan ring from Werribee to transport links within the metropolitan area. Craigieburn A reservation for a future Airport Transit Link possible long-term route from Geelong to the is already being put in place. Reservations for north through Bacchus Marsh future Epping North (Aurora) and North Werribee (Tarneit) Transit Links will be put in place as part of this initiative. While some of the transport projects under consideration are not intended for construction for 20 years or more, action is required now to ensure Victoria has the ability to proceed with these projects when needed.

Timelines Secure Reservations projects funded will commence in 2007-08.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 61 Better taxi services The Government has also reformed the Multi- Victoria’s taxi industry has a key role to play Purpose Taxi Program to ensure that subsidised in supporting the liveability of Melbourne and taxi travel for people with disabilities is targeted at provincial Victoria – providing mobility for people those most in need. with disabilities, supporting the State’s tourism While these reforms have achieved a great deal, industry and allowing people to travel to and from more work remains to be done. The Government events late at night. will: In May 2002, the Government announced a 17 establish a new accreditation regime for the point reform program for the taxi industry, which taxi industry that will include strict standards will be fully implemented by the end of 2006. The and accountability measures to ensure taxi program includes: services meet the expectations of the 600 new ‘green top’ peak service taxi cabs Victorian travelling public to ensure more cabs are available at night introduce measures to improve the a new charter to explain the rights and availability and reliability of taxi services for obligations of taxi passengers and drivers people who use wheelchairs, including subsidised training for wheelchair taxi drivers, a new 20% tariff between midnight and 5am an increased presence by the Victorian Taxi in the metropolitan taxi zone (payable entirely Directorate at Melbourne Airport to ensure to the driver) to encourage more taxis to be wheelchair taxis are collecting wheelchair on the roads during the late night and early passengers, and giving VTD the power to morning periods implement disciplinary processes if a driver is a new training course for drivers found to be consistently refusing to do wheelchair work greater transparency in the trading of taxi licences by requiring them to be sold increase the numbers, visibility and presence through the Bendigo Stock Exchange of VTD staff in the field, with active policing of vehicle and service standards

Timelines Taxi reform measures are already being implemented and will be ongoing.

62 Section Four Actions Action 10: Building a safer, more secure network

A high level of safety and security across our Victoria’s transport network will remain one of the transport system is not only important for reducing safest in the world with an ongoing commitment accidents and injuries – it is also important for from the Government to improving rail safety and encouraging greater use of public transport, reducing the personal, community and economic building business confidence and promoting costs of road accidents. Victoria as an attractive investment location. The Government will continue to give rail and road safety and security the highest priority by investing $1.1 billion over 10 years in new projects to improve safety across Victoria’s transport network.

Improving rail safety and security Metrol system gaps Alongside the upgrading of train control and This program provides for the extension of the communications systems, the Government will Metrol Control System to sections of the line not introduce a range of measures to improve rail currently under Metrol control, but coordinated safety and security. by signallers located in signal boxes around the Additional staff on the network network. Extension of direct Metrol control will better enable Metrol to make rapid operational An extra 30 Authorised Officers will be employed decisions affecting the whole network without to support new late night train services on Friday relying on advice from a number of different and Saturday nights. Additional staff will also signal boxes. This will improve train reliability, be available to support the conversion of 7 capacity and customer information. metropolitan stations to Premium Stations, which are staffed from first train to last train 7 days a City Loop Safety Systems week, and have improved passenger facilities This program will upgrade and replace elements and security services. of the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Train driver training systems, including storm water drainage, smoke management, fire detection and suppression, the This program provides for the supplementation of lifts and escalators, the emergency power and existing train driver training programs to minimise electrical systems and corrosion mitigation. the possibility of the driver shortages, such as those experienced between 2003 and 2005, being repeated in the future.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 63 Improving rail safety and security “Deadman devices” are designed to (continued) automatically apply the train brakes if the driver fails to maintain a foot or hand pilot valve in VICERS Vigilance Control a set position. An investigation of deadman A number of rail accidents in Victoria and devices installed on all metropolitan passenger elsewhere (Railcorp: Glenbrook 1996; Waterfall trains in Melbourne concluded that there is a 2003; Queensland Rail: Cairns Tilt Train 2004) small continuing risk that a train driver could be have highlighted safety issues with some current incapacitated and the deadman system would train protection systems. not activate the brakes. To help address the identified risks with deadman devices, a vigilance control system will be installed as an addition to the existing deadman system on metropolitan electric trains.

Timelines Premium Station upgrades will commence in 2006-07. Train Driver Training project will commence in 2006-07. Metrol System Gaps project will commence in 2011-12. City Loop Safety Systems project will commence in 2011-12. VICERS will commence in 2006-07.

Maintaining Victoria’s leadership in Research shows that the largest reduction road safety in casualties is associated with targeted The Government’s tough approach to road safety investments in road and roadside safety has delivered the 3 lowest recorded yearly road infrastructure. tolls in Victoria. The Government will substantially boost funding Since the introduction of the Government’s for road safety, including the continuation of the arrive alive! strategy in 2002, deaths on Victoria’s Statewide Accident Blackspot Program and the roads have dropped by 17%. The $500 million development of a new road safety strategy to Statewide Accident Blackspot Program has also replace arrive alive! been instrumental in reducing road accidents, deaths and injuries.

Timelines Road safety program funding will be boosted from 2007-08.

64 Section Four Actions Safer level crossings across Victoria The Government will provide significant There are more than 2,270 level crossings across additional funding to upgrade level crossings Victoria, with 179 of these located in Melbourne. in Melbourne and provincial Victoria, including grade separation at some level crossings. This Although level crossing accidents represent additional funding will provide for over 100 about 1% of all road accidents, collisions crossings to be upgraded over the next 10 years between motor vehicles and trains are generally – a 67% increase – bringing the total number of very severe in terms of loss of life, injury and upgrades to 240. damage to vehicles and infrastructure. The Government is currently undertaking a There is no simple solution to increasing safety comprehensive survey of all level crossings at level crossings. With grade separation at in Victoria, which will help to identify ‘railway individual crossings costing between $20 million blackspots’ and provide the basis for deciding and $100 million, a number of complementary priorities for upgrading. strategies are required to deal effectively with the range of issues affecting level crossing safety. The Government will also continue the Don’t Risk These strategies include: It education campaign, launched in 2005 to warn people of the dangers at level crossings and a statewide, systematic approach to encourage safe behavior. identifying and prioritising level crossing upgrades a rolling program of safety upgrades based on these priorities continuing education of road users

Timelines Level crossing program funding will be boosted from 2006-07.

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 65 Meeting Our Transport Challenges Timelines and funding

The Government will meet Victoria’s travel needs now and into the future through a staged approach to improving and extending our transport network over the next 25 years.

10 yr costs 2006 - 2011 - 2017 - ACTION $ million 2010 2016 2030 Action 1 DELIVERING FOR THE FUTURE Meeting Our Transport Challenges Reserve Action 2 CREATING A CROSS-TOWN TRANSPORT $1,390 NETWORK FOR MELBOURNE

SmartBus expansion 660 Establishing cross-town network, including Red (Box Hill – Altona), Green (Nunawading – Werribee), Yellow (Ringwood – Tullamarine) and Blue (Sandringham – Williamstown) Orbitals. Improvements to local metropolitan bus services 650 Doncaster bus upgrade 80 Action 3 BOOSTING MELBOURNE’S RAIL NETWORK $2,030 Rail Net: boosting capacity on the rail network 1970 Upgrading capacity on the City Loop and congested lines such as the Dandenong, Clifton Hill and Northern Group corridors.

New train stations in growing suburbs 60 New stations at Point Cook, Cardinia Road and Lynbrook. Action 4 IMPROVING METRO TRAIN AND TRAM $1,770 SERVICES More and better train and tram services 130 Including extra peak services on Broadmeadows, Werribee, Sydenham and Dandenong lines, and late night services. New trains and trams 1330 New high-tech control and communications systems 260 Improving traffic priority for trams and buses 50 Action 5 DELIVERING FIRST CLASS PUBLIC $510 TRANSPORT FOR PROVINCIAL VICTORIA Better regional bus services and connections 90 Mildura rail line upgrade 50 New and refurbished trains 350 Rural school bus program 20 Better taxi services for regional communities* -

Infrastructure Investment Recurrent Expenditure Future Investments Future Expenditure

66 Meeting Our Transport Challenges Timelines and Funding 10 yr costs 2006 - 2011 - 2017 - ACTION $ million 2010 2016 2030 Action 6 BUILDING BETTER ROAD CONNECTIONS $1,980 Better connections for Melbourne’s growing suburbs 1290 Including duplication of Berwick – Cranbourne Road, Derrimut Road and Kelletts Road.

Major upgrades of regional roads 690 Including Midland Highway duplication and Barwon Heads Bridge replacement. Action 7 DELIVERING A BETTER LINK BETWEEN THE $865 EAST AND WEST OF MELBOURNE Monash-West Gate improvement package 740 West Gate Bridge strengthening 120 East-West Link needs assessment 5 Action 8 PROMOTING SMARTER, HEALTHIER TRAVEL $135 CHOICES

Changing our behaviour 30 Extending and improving cycling and walking options 70 New local area access demonstration program 15 Flexible transport solutions 20 Action 9 CREATING ACCESSIBLE, CONNECTED $710 COMMUNITIES Making public transport more accessible 250 More metropolitan Park & Ride facilities 90 Improving metropolitan interchanges 130 Travel savings for seniors 30 Transit Cities 170 Including revitalisation of Central Dandenong and works to improve Ringwood and Footscray.

Planning for the future 40 Better taxi services* - Action 10 BUILDING A SAFER, MORE SECURE NETWORK $1,080 Improving rail safety and security 280 Maintaining Victoria’s leadership in road safety 600 Safer level crossings across Melbourne 200

* To be funded from within the Department of Infrastructure

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Connecting Victorian Communities 67

MEETING OUR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES Meeting our transport challenges 71