Eastern Busway to link with Doncaster Park and Ride

Designs to upgrade Doncaster Park and Ride and link it to new express bus lanes along the improved Eastern Freeway have been officially approved.

The upcoming Eastern Busway is set to transform public transport in Melbourne’s east, reducing bus travel times by up to 30 per cent for more than 6 million trips each year. The project will deliver faster, more frequent and more reliable bus services to and from the city.

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As part of the upgrade, Doncaster Park and Ride will connect directly to the new busway via a rebuilt Doncaster Road bridge. The facility will feature three new bus platforms, making room for additional express and local bus services.

A new multi-level car park will also be built to boost capacity, working in tandem with the newly completed Bulleen Park and Ride to double parking availability for Eastern Busway users.

Enhancements will extend beyond transport, with improved walking and cycling connections, additional bicycle parking, and upgraded passenger amenities.

During public consultation in September 2024, the Urban Design and Landscape Plan (UDLP) for Doncaster Park and Ride attracted more than 39,600 online views and received over 245 submissions.

In response to community and passenger feedback, the final UDLP includes several key improvements such as additional trees and landscaping to help screen the car park, passenger buildings, and noise walls.

It also includes refined architectural designs with decorative screens, patterned concrete, and softer colour palettes, a simplified Drop and Go zone for safer and smoother pedestrian and vehicle flow and enhanced facilities for cyclists and pedestrians, including a bike repair station and drinking fountain.