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Victorias investment

Victoria will invest $15 billion in the state’s public transport network in the latest budget

The Victorian State Government is investing a record $15 billion in Victoria’s public transport network – including investment in new bus services – as announced in the 2014-15 Victorian State Budget this week.

The public transport upgrades are part of a state-wide $24 billion investment in transport infrastructure.

Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder says the investment will transform the state’s public transport network by building a better Victoria through major new job-creating infrastructure.

“Our flagship public transport project, the $8.5-$11 billion Melbourne Rail Link, will reduce delays, improve reliability and boost capacity across the network by up to 30 per cent,” he says.

“The Melbourne Rail Link will be the biggest investment ever in our metropolitan rail network.”

The Melbourne Rail Link will be supported by other public transport investments including $209.5 million to operate and maintain the Regional Rail Link – including new bus routes – $1.3 million to protect the corridor for a future rail link to Avalon Airport and $390.4 million for free tram travel in Melbourne’s and travel in zones 1 and 2 for the price of a zone 1 fare.

“We are investing in both metropolitan and regional projects to ensure that Victorians have a high quality public transport network with more services more often,” says Mulder.

Public Transport Users Association Tony Morton says there should be more investment in bus to benefit those living in the suburbs.

The budget includes provision for bus services to new suburbs in Wyndham, including those to be served by the Regional Rail Link but otherwise, there are no new initiatives to improve suburban bus services.

 “For most people living in the suburbs, the government is only offering one thing for public transport, and that’s a reduced fare for travelling into Zone 1,” says Morton. 

“There is nothing for people who live and work in Zone 2, unless you drive a car.”

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