Melbourne’s bus network is set for one of its most significant shake-ups in decades, with expanded bus timetables, connections and new service patterns forming a critical part of the Big Switch of the Metro Tunnel.
When the new timetable takes effect on Sunday, February 1, the Metro Tunnel will be fully integrated into Victoria’s transport network. Alongside more than 1,000 additional weekly train services, the change includes the first tranche of 260 new and updated bus timetables, designed to better connect local communities to the tunnel’s five new stations.
These bus changes will directly affect how around half of all Melbourne commuters move around the city, improving feeder services, interchange timing and cross-suburban access to high-frequency rail services. For many passengers, the most noticeable difference will be shorter transfer times and more consistent connections between buses and trains throughout the day.
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The revised bus timetables are structured to align with the Metro Tunnel’s turn-up-and-go service model, particularly during peak periods when trains will arrive at new tunnel stations every few minutes. By matching bus arrivals more closely with frequent rail services, the changes aim to reduce waiting times and make multimodal journeys more predictable.
Expanded bus services will also support passengers on corridors where rail patterns are changing. As Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham line services shift exclusively into the Metro Tunnel, updated bus connections will help passengers adjust to new interchange points and travel paths. Similar adjustments apply on lines such as Werribee, Williamstown and Frankston, where routing changes will temporarily or permanently alter how passengers access the CBD.
Regional travellers are also expected to benefit, with additional train services into Melbourne supported by bus links that improve access to the five new Metro Tunnel stations. This includes stronger connections for passengers arriving from corridors such as Traralgon, Seymour and Echuca.
Victorian public transport minister Gabrielle Williams says the bus network is essential to unlocking the full benefits of the Metro Tunnel.
“We’re excited for passengers to be able to enjoy more of the benefits of the Metro Tunnel with more than one thousand extra services being added from February in the biggest change to our network in 40 years,” Williams says.
She says the Big Switch marks the start of ongoing improvements.
“This is just the beginning, with more frequent services and better connections continuing to roll out across the network later this year,” Williams says.
The February changes represent the first stage of a broader bus and train uplift planned for 2026, with further timetable improvements expected mid-year. Passengers are encouraged to check updated bus timetables and plan their journeys ahead of the switch.
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