Question details
Northern Metropolitan Region
(2087) My constituency question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport. Minister, constituents in my electorate in Northern Metro have long raised concerns about the unreliability and infrequency of east–west bus services, in particular, the 508 bus route between Brunswick, Northcote and Alphington, which consistently fails to meet community needs. For many in the community the 508 bus is their only practical way to reach work, education, community services and connecting public transport. During peaks, the buses run every 15 minutes, but this drops to 30 to 40 minutes on weekends, with the service stopping at 10 pm. The community, Minister, are calling for the 508 bus to extend its service to 12 am every night. Minister, will you start prioritising communities in the north and extend the 508 bus service to midnight every night?
I thank the Member for Northern Metropolitan Region for her question.
The Carroll Labor Government recognises the important role buses play in meeting the travel needs of people living in Melbourne’s growing suburbs. Buses are a vital part of Victoria’s integrated transport system, with around 400 regular bus routes servicing metropolitan Melbourne, and local bus networks operating in regional towns and cities.
This Government's recent investments – including half-price travel until 2027, free travel for under 18s, and free weekend travel for Seniors and Carers, which sits alongside the introduction of credit and debit card payment services – are helping make public transport more affordable and accessible for Victorians.
Since launching Victoria’s Bus Plan in June 2021, more than 138 local bus networks have been improved, giving Victorian communities access to more than 13,500 extra services each week.
I have asked the Department of Transport and Planning to consider your feedback as part of its future bus network planning.
Vicki Ward MP
Minister for Public Transport
17 February 2026
26 August 2026