Melbourne southeast advocacy groups demand bus and transport upgrades

Advocacy groups in Melbourne’s southeast are calling on political parties to commit to significant transport and bus service improvements ahead of the upcoming state election. The Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) alliance, representing eight councils and shires, is proposing a $100 million Greater South East Bus Transformation program to address logistical needs and cost-of-living pressures.

Community organizers, including the Fix Dandy Buses campaign, are urging leaders to match recent $400 million funding commitments made for Melbourne’s western suburbs. They argue that frequent, seven-day bus services are essential for regions like Dandenong and the Mornington Peninsula, where some major routes currently face 60-minute gaps on weekends.

Proposed upgrades include increasing the frequency of busy routes such as the 901 on Stud Road and 902 on Springvale Road, as well as improving infrastructure like bus shelters to encourage public transport use.