Families in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern suburbs will soon have more ways to get around, with 641 additional bus services rolling out from Sunday, October 5.
The upgrade spans eight major routes through Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Kalkallo and Roxburgh Park, extending services to new areas and running buses later into the night, according to the state government.
Routes 543 will receive 183 extra weekly trips, set to start earlier and finish off late into the night.
The extension will connect Greenvale and Greenvale North to Craigieburn Central and Roxburgh Park Station, with weekday buses running every 20 minutes during peak times and timed with connecting train services.
Route 524 will gain 173 new services and be extended along Cloverton Boulevard to Kalkallo, linking passengers to Donnybrook Station and the Kallo Town Centre.
Other services – routes 525, 528, 529, 533 and 537 – will also benefit from 285 extra weekly trips and extended hours, with buses running through until midnight.
The upgrades are expected to make travel easier for students, shift workers and late-night commuters returning from sport or shopping.
Beveridge residents will also see new improvements, with route 511 now running via the Hume Highway to Craigieburn Station. The service will expand further next year with more frequent buses and a wider coverage area.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said the changes would make daily travel easier.
“We understand the importance of frequent and eligible bus services for the growing communities in Melbourne’s north, which is why we’re adding extra services and extending local routes to improve connections,” she said.
Kalkallo MP Ros Spence called it a “massive boost for local students, shoppers and commuters,” while Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage highlighted the benefits of the 524 extension for families.
Greenvale MP Iwan Walters added residents would be connected to the public transport network “for the first time,” making it easier to reach work, school and key destinations.
Timetables and full route details will be available from September 19 at transport.vic.gov.au.
