$100m plus boost for Melbourne’s public transport

$108 million package of works to boost access to CBD by public transport Alexandra Parade to become one of the city’s great boulevards Upgrade for Doncaster Area Rapid Transit Significant improvements to tram routes: 86, 112, 1 and 8 A new dedicated bicycle path which would run along Alexandra Parade

The Coalition Government today unveiled plans for a significant package of public transport works as part of the East West Link project.
The package will provide a major boost for public transport users, cyclists and pedestrians who are seeking to access the CBD, Premier Denis Napthine and Transport Minister Terry Mulder announced today.
Minister Mulder said the new package comprised a $47 million upgrade of the Doncaster Area Rapid Transit (DART) bus service, $29 million for tram improvements and $32 million for urban renewal on Alexandra Parade.
“We will upgrade DART with new bus lanes along Hoddle Street and upgraded bus stops, including a new free-flowing exit off the Eastern Freeway.
“We will consult relevant councils about these improvements, which are designed to preserve all existing running lanes for cars.”
“There are some 3.8 million passenger trips on DART each year and these improvements will deliver real benefits to those passengers, reducing delays, improving travel time reliability and creating potential for additional services,” Mr Mulder said.
Dr Napthine highlighted that the East West Link tunnel would remove up to 30 per cent of traffic each day from Alexandra Parade, which paves the way for public transport improvements.
“As a result of the East West Link project, an integrated transport project has been developed which will deliver benefits for road and public transport users and the broader Victorian economy,” Dr Napthine said.
“This will create a real difference for the 80,000 tram and 20,000 bus passengers travelling on north-south routes that cross Alexandra Parade, Victoria Parade and Brunswick Road each day and are routinely held up by traffic lights and slow-moving traffic.

“These changes will deliver more reliable tram travel times and greater capacity to deliver extra services on these busy tram routes.
“The Coalition Government’s purchase of 50 new trams will support this package of tram improvements.
Dr Napthine also said the package announced today will also ensure Alexandra Parade becomes one of our great boulevards.
“As part of the East West Link package we will be able to plant canopy trees along Alexandra Parade, to reinstate its boulevard character, improving the design of intersections and developing beautiful open spaces for people to enjoy.
“The Alexandra Parade urban renewal will help turn it from a heavily congested inner city arterial road into a vibrant boulevard.”
“We will consult with Bicycle Network Victoria and council on a new dedicated bicycle path which would run along Alexandra Parade and link with the local bicycle network, the Yarra Trail and Royal Park to the Moonee Ponds Creek,” Dr Napthine said.
Mr Mulder said the East West Link was an integrated transport project that would benefit public transport users and drivers alike.
“This $108 million public transport upgrade and our record infrastructure investment program is possible because of the Coalition Government’s strong financial management,” Mr Mulder said.
“By contrast, Labor have shown they cannot properly cost or fund their promises. While the Coalition delivers improved transport infrastructure, Victorians remember Labor’s greatest transport legacy is Myki.”

  $100m plus boost, Melbourne’s public transport