Victoria Unveils $65 Billion Plan to Overhaul Public Transport, Address Population Boom
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A comprehensive infrastructure plan released this week proposes a sweeping overhaul of Victoria’s public transport network, aiming to address the challenges of a rapidly growing population and the increasing threat of climate change. The recommendations, put forth by Infrastructure Victoria, call for significant investment in train, tram, and bus services across Melbourne and regional areas over the next five years, with a total projected spend of $65 billion over three decades.
The plan, released on Tuesday, comes as Victoria prepares for an estimated population increase of 4 million people over the next 30 years, bringing the total to approximately 10.9 million. Currently estimated at 6.9 million by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2024, this growth necessitates substantial investment in infrastructure to maintain livability and sustainability. The state government has already set a target of building 800,000 new homes by 2034, with 70% of these planned for established suburbs.
Northern and Western Suburbs Prioritized for Rail Expansion
A key focus of the recommendations is improving train services in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs. Infrastructure Victoria warns that without increased capacity, residents of areas like Coburg and Brunswick may be forced to drive to work. Modeling indicates current wait times of up to 20 minutes during peak hours – significantly longer than those experienced in Melbourne’s south-east, despite similar distances from the central business district.
To alleviate this, the report suggests upgrading power and signaling in the City Loop, leveraging the increased capacity created by the new Metro Tunnel, which is slated to begin passenger service in December. Additionally, constructing an extra track on the Upfield line would allow for nine trains per hour, a substantial increase from the current four.
Tram Network Expansion and Bus Rapid Transit
The plan also proposes an ambitious expansion of Melbourne’s tram network, with eight routes slated for extension over the next five years at a potential cost of up to $5.7 billion. This expansion is intended to support increased housing density along tram corridors. Specifically, the recommendations include extending routes 11 and 67 to Fishermans Bend, a planned community for 80,000 residents by 2050, and extending route 3 to Hughesdale via Chadstone. These tram extensions to Fishermans Bend and Chadstone were initially promised in 2018 but have yet to materialize.
Recognizing that Melbourne’s west is underserved by both trains and buses, with 63% of residents driving to work compared to 32% in inner Melbourne, the report advocates for extending Metro train services to Melton, adding tracks from Sunshine to Caroline Springs, and constructing new stations at Thornhill Park, Mount Atkinson, and Altona North.
For areas not directly served by train lines, Infrastructure Victoria proposes the implementation of six new bus rapid transit networks within the next five years. These networks, modeled after systems in Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide, would utilize larger buses with dedicated lanes and platforms to provide efficient and reliable service.
Addressing Affordability and Long-Term Sustainability
Beyond expanding capacity, the plan also addresses affordability. Infrastructure Victoria recommends lowering fares for off-peak travel, citing research showing that bus passenger numbers can increase by up to 19% for every $1 fare discount.
The report also acknowledges the need for long-term financial sustainability, calling for collaboration with the Commonwealth government to introduce a road user charge. This recommendation comes after a previous state levy on electric vehicles was deemed unconstitutional by the High Court.
“This report is predicated on how can we make best use of those investments that we’ve made already,” stated Dr. Jonathan Spear, chief executive of Infrastructure Victoria. He also noted that while passenger rail to smaller regional cities may not be viable, “some high-quality coach services are.”
The 45 recommendations cover a broad range of areas, including transport, health, housing, energy, water, social infrastructure, and the environment. Eight additional changes for the next 30 years are also identified, though these do not require immediate action. The report will be formally tabled in parliament this week, and the government is obligated to respond to the recommendations within one year.
