LeadWest calls for all parties to commit to transform bus services across Melbourne's West

11 November 2026

LeadWest, the alliance of five councils in Melbourne’s west, is calling on all parties to commit to transforming the region's bus network ahead of the state election.

Melbourne's west is home to around one million residents and the population is projected to grow to 1.6 million people by 2046. Despite this rapid growth, many communities remain poorly served by public transport, with almost 80 per cent of trips across the region made by car.

In some growth areas, particularly parts of Melton and Wyndham, residents have limited or no access to local bus services, while many existing routes remain infrequent, indirect or poorly connected to train stations, employment and other major destinations.

LeadWest has long advocated for bus network reform across Melbourne's west, calling for an expanded, reconfigured, more frequent, reliable and accessible bus network that better connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare and community services.

LeadWest's priority reforms include:

• Expanding bus services to growing communities currently lacking public transport access

• Increasing service frequency across the network, seven days a week

• Extending operating hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends

• Improving connections to train stations, employment precincts, health services and education centres

• Introducing more direct and express routes to reduce travel times.

On the weekend the Victorian Labor Party committed to invest $400 million for "turn up and go" bus services across Melbourne's west if re-elected. A commitment from all parties is critical to ensure communities in the west receive the public transport investment they deserve, regardless of the election outcome.

The commitment aligns with LeadWest's Let's Get It Done campaign, which identifies bus network reform as a critical priority to improve accessibility, connectivity and liveability across Melbourne's west. 

LeadWest Chair, Cr Susan Yengi said:

"Reliable, frequent bus services are not a luxury. They are essential infrastructure that connects people to jobs, education, healthcare and community life.

"The benefits of transforming Melbourne's western bus network are comparable to many major road and rail projects, but at a fraction of the cost.

"This is an opportunity for all parties to demonstrate their commitment to transforming bus services across the west so residents can have confidence that better public transport is coming, regardless of who forms government.

"Every resident should be able to get to work, school, healthcare and community services without being forced to rely on a car. That is the standard Melbourne's west deserves."