Thursday, 13 November 2025

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (19:11): (2104) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. The action I seek is for them to support the recommendations of the Better Buses for Kingston report. Each and every day thousands of people in the South-Eastern Metro Region rely on buses to get them to where they need to go. Buses are vital for building connections and are the only mode of public transport that can quickly adapt for Victorians. When public transport does not work, it entrenches social disadvantage, increases isolation, worsens cost-of-living pressures and limits access to essential services.

There are so many groups and individuals who are passionate about public transport in my local area, but today I want to focus on the City of Kingston and express my support for their advocacy to improve buses in the region. Their report Better Buses for Kingston has been submitted to the Department of Transport and Planning for consideration. It details how to improve services for some of Melbourne’s longest bus routes, including routes 828, Hampton to Berwick; 903, Altona to Mordialloc; and 709, Hampton to Carrum. This report calls for more-frequent buses – the longest wait times should be no longer than 20 minutes, seven days a week; increased service hours – earlier starts and later finishes will make bus travel a more feasible option for many people; and better route infrastructure – somewhere comfortable to sit and protection from the elements should be given at every bus stop.

This report is backed by evidence and supported by the wider community. Council went out and met people to understand how these services could be improved, not just in their offices but at the bus stops. These changes are not controversial, and they will help thousands of people who rely on these buses across multiple areas in the region I represent. I ask: will the minister support the recommendations of the Better Buses for Kingston report?