The Andrews Labor Government is improving bus services in the north-eastern suburbs to provide locals with more flexible buses that coordinate better with train services.

A new FlexiRide bus service that is available on-demand is planned for Greensborough and St Helena as part of a $109 million investment through the Victorian Budget 2022-23 to improve bus services across the state.

FlexiRide is an on-demand public bus service that operates within a defined area with no fixed route or timetable.

Passengers will be able to book a bus – much like a taxi – and be picked up or dropped off at ‘virtual’ or physical bus stops. Fares will be paid through a Myki card with normal rates applying.

Bookings are made through a smartphone app, which provides real-time information about when a service is arriving, or by calling a dedicated phone number.

Introducing on-demand buses is part of Labor Government’s Bus Plan to deliver a modern, productive, environmentally sustainable bus network that increases the number of people who choose buses to get where they need to go.

FlexiRide buses already operate in Croydon, Lilydale, Melton South, Mooroolbark, Rosebud and Rowville, and will be introduced in Tarneit later this year.

Details about the new on-demand service and other bus service improvements will be announced following further planning.

In addition to these improvements, the Government has allocated more than $5 million in the Budget to upgrade 80 bus stops across Victoria, to improve access and amenity for public transport passengers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“Introducing flexible bus services and better bus connections is part of our state-wide bus plan to deliver modern, environmentally sustainable and reliable services to more people.”

“Having an on-demand bus service between Greensborough and St Helena will ensure locals are better connected to healthcare, shops and jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward

“Getting to buses isn’t always easy in our area, it’s important we look at new ways to improve access and reliability to help locals get where they need to go.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks

“We are providing locals with more travel options than ever before with the Flexi Bus connecting locals to the soon-to-be completed Greensborough Station that will have more trains, more often.”