LeadWest welcomes announcements for a better-connected west

Media Release - 14 November 2025

LeadWest has welcomed two recent announcements by the Victorian Government that will provide better public transport outcomes for Melbourne’s west.

On 7 November, the Victorian Government announced two new bus routes for Melbourne’s west, as well as additional services to an existing route. This will provide more than 1500 extra weekly bus services for residents in Tarneit, Truganina, Laverton, Wyndham Vale, Mambourin and Harpley Estate from 7 December 2025.

Chair of LeadWest, Cr Dr Phillip Zada, said the announcement was a step in the right direction towards creating a better-connected west.

"Melbourne’s west is the fastest growing region in Australia. Our suburbs are home to more than one million residents and we’re on track to match Adelaide’s population in the next decade. Investment in public transport is not just welcome – it’s essential to help our transport network keep pace with our booming communities and get people to where they need to go.”

LeadWest has been advocating for a more frequent, direct and accessible bus network for all of Melbourne’s west.

“Buses are critical to provide and improve access to health services, employment, education and importantly, they keep us connected to friends, family and community.

“These additional services will help to address some of the demand for bus services in the west, with connected routes to get our residents to trains, schools and jobs safely and reliably. We thank the Victorian Government and welcome this investment in these new and upgraded bus routes and additional services,” Cr Zada said.

The Federal and Victorian governments also announced the awarding of the contract to deliver the Melton Line Upgrade including platform extensions at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations. The upgrade will allow nine-car VLocity trains to run on the Melton Line from 2027, boosting passenger capacity by 50 per cent. The upgrade will include a new stabling yard at Cobblebank that will be future proofed to cater for Metro trains when the Melton Line is electrified.

“LeadWest welcomes the news that the contract for the Melton Line Upgrade has been awarded. This upgrade will increase patronage on the existing V/Line network as an interim solution. Our priority remains the electrification of the Melton line as part of the Western Rail Plan,” Cr Zada said.

The Western Rail Plan was initially announced during the 2018 Victorian state election and includes electrification of two existing regional lines to Melton and Wyndham Vale.

This week’s release of the Infrastructure Victoria Infrastructure Strategy 2025-2055 highlights the need to deliver the electrification of the Melton line by 2030 and recommends the electrification works should coincide with the upgrade to Sunshine Station.

LeadWest continues to advocate for Bus Network Reform in the west, and the delivery of the Western Rail Plan. View a copy of LeadWest’s 2026 State Election Advocacy Priorities, Invest in a Liveable, Connected and Sustainable West, on the LeadWest website.