BUS services will soon receive upgrades throughout the district, with expansion and efficiency the key, thanks to new funding from the State Government.
There will be 641 additional services, tailored for the growing communities in these areas. These services will be around Donnybrook, Kalkallo, Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park, across eight major bus routes. The changes were planned out with the new families in the area in mind.
Starting Sunday, October 5, bus routes 524 and 543 will be expanded, in order to help residents of the northern suburbs get to the essential places where they need to be. The 524 will be expanded along Cloverton Boulevard to Kalkallo, which will give passengers access to Kallo Town Centre Shops and Donnybrook Station.
This service will also gain 173 additional trips each week, running in both directions in order to cut travel times. Routes 525, 528, 529, 533 and 537 will have extended hours and additional trips, running later into the evening.
The new timetable has improved connection to the 501 shuttle to Craigieburn, and to train services at Donnybrook Station. The timetable was planned with locals in mind, especially families, as the expansion includes trips aligned with the school bell at Donnybrook Primary School.
Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, says the importance of increasing bus services in a growing population area cannot be understated.
“We understand the importance of frequent and reliable 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.
Member for Kalkallo, Ros Spence, says the services will provide a boost to people wishing to get around town.
“This is a massive boost for local students, shoppers and commuters, providing more options to get around our community and connect passengers to more services,” she said.
These services were funded via the Victorian Budget 2025/26 and the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution fund, which seeks to improve extending suburbs.
“The northern suburbs are growing rapidly, and these bus uplifts will make it easier to keep our communities moving,” Lauren Kathage, Member for Yan Yean said.
“We’re making life easier with the 524 bus extension – whether it’s the school run, a trip to the shops, or getting to the station. The two-way loop and extra services are about giving families back time in their day.
“I want to thank local families whose feedback helped us fine-tune this route and timetable. From next year, public transport will also be free for everyone under 18 – making it even easier on family budgets.”
More information about these changes, as well as new timetables which were released on Friday, can be found at transport.vic.gov.au
