Transport

In the next year, begin updating transport regulations to allow automated vehicle operation on the road network. In the next 10 years, upgrade roads and communications infrastructure to help facilitate increasingly connected and automated vehicles, particularly for corporate and government fleets. Develop policy, business case and land use planning guidance to maximise the benefits of automated vehicles and mitigate their risks.

In the next year, develop and publish Victoria’s integrated transport plan. Require the transport and strategic land use plans to align with each other.

In the next year, fund the northern Fishermans Bend tram connection for delivery by 2026 and complete the planning for the southern route. Within 2 to 5 years, commit to delivering a tram extension to Arden and to the former defence site at Maribyrnong if required.

Permanently adopt discounted off-peak fares for metropolitan public transport and discontinue ticket types that do not offer discounts for off-peak travel.

In the next year, reduce bus and tram fares, while maintaining an integrated ticketing system, to encourage people to make greater use of cost-effective public transport services that can be quickly expanded.

By 2025, reshape the metropolitan bus network in Melbourne’s north-west and south-east in time for the opening of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel. Introduce ‘next generation’ bus services, beginning by using them on the new Doncaster busway. In the next 10 years, continue reforming bus networks in Melbourne and Geelong, including by revising the coverage standard and using more flexible bus services in lower demand areas.

Replace fixed road user charges with variable distance-based and congestion charges over the next 10 years, by gradually expanding and reforming the existing electric vehicle charge. Ensure user pays charging reflects the relative costs of road use, encouraging people to adopt beneficial travel behaviour.

In the next 2 years, develop business cases to extend electrified metropolitan train services from Sunshine to Rockbank, from Craigieburn to Beveridge, and on the Wyndham Vale corridor, to be delivered by 2031. Deliver extra services to south-east Melbourne by running Rockbank services to Pakenham via the Melbourne Metro Tunnel. Consider adding extra stations on the Wyndham Vale and Melton corridors, and secure remaining land required for stations and stabling.

Within 2 years, determine staging for the outer metropolitan rail and road corridor. Subject to detailed business cases, start construction of priority sections, starting with the E6 motorway by the end of this decade. Progressively stage corridor development for completion in the next 30 years. Provide a freight rail link to coincide with the opening of the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal.

Within the next 5 years, identify and secure land, and apply planning protection for transport corridors and buffers for a future Bay West Port, particularly for future road and rail connections. Monitor and report on the triggers to develop a new port and commence and continue environmental assessment and monitoring over the next 30 years. Around 2040, begin detailed planning.