Improved Bus Network
The Peninsula Rail Link campaign is not focused solely on improving rail on the Mornington Peninsula, but all public transport. Thus, we also advocate for improved bus services that better connect the peninsula.
Currently, there is no form of public transport that runs any further toward the city than Frankston, nor is there any form of public transport that runs cross-peninsula. In both cases, residents are required to change at Frankston station, which can be time-consuming, especially if you miss the connection.
There are a large number of bus improvements we are advocating for. If you would like to add any, don't hesitate to contact us with your suggestions.
Improvements To Existing Routes
Frankston-Mount Martha
Currently, bus route 781 (Frankston-Mount Martha) terminates near the Mount Martha Public Golf Course. We believe the route should be extended to connect with route 788 (Frankston-Portsea) and the Rye line at Mount Martha station.
Frankston-Portsea
Bus route 788 (Frankston-Portsea) is the route that connects west coast peninsula residents with the Frankston railway line. However, it only runs one bus every 40 minutes on weekdays, and one bus every 70-80 minutes!
Contrary to popular belief, the Peninsula Rail Link will NOT replace the route 788 buses. Route 788 will be better for travel within the peninsula, as it can get to Portsea, Sorrento, Blairgowrie, Mount Eliza and the heart of every town in between. Thus, we advocate for an increase in frequency for this bus, to one bus every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 60 minutes on weekends, which is the standard for suburban bus routes.
Safety Beach-Sorrento
Bus route 787 (Saety Beach-Sorrento) is an irregular bus route; an amalgamation of feeder bus services that connect with route 788. We advocate for a standardisation of the route, in such a way that allows it to connect with both route 788 and the Rye railway line. Furthermore, it is recommended to be extended to Safety Beach station to better connect with trains there.
Rosebud Gardens-Rosebud TAFE
This small bus route currently only serves TAFE and high school students, taking them between their schools and the shops, where they can have lunch or change to a route 787 or 788 bus.
There is potential to expand this route tremendously, by runinng the route hourly, and extending the TAFE end of the route all the way to Dromana via Red Hill, Dromana Secondary College and the Dromana Drive-in Theatre.
St. Andrews Beach-Rye
Bus route 786 (St. Andrews Beach-Rye) is a small trial route that connects St. Andrews Beach residents to bus routes 787 and 788. As part of the rail project, this route would connect with trains at Rye station. It could also be extended to run to Rosebud Gardens Shopping Centre via Hiscock Road (which would be upgraded as part of the project) and Rosebud station.
New Bus Routes
Cranbourne-Baxter
A new bus route from Cranbourne would allow Cranbourne residents to better access the peninsula, as well as providing an increased service frequency to Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, and connecting Langwarrin station to Karingal Hub and the centre of Langwarrin.
Main Street Mornington-Balcombe Station
Two feeder bus routes could be used to better connect Mornington residents with Main Street and Balcombe station, and also connect the two locations with each other.
Both routes would run via Mornington Racecourse, which is particularly useful during special events there.
Mornington-Hastings
In 2011, a Mornington-Hastings bus route was trialled by PTV, but failed. The construction of the Rye line would add to the usefulness of such a route, by connecting Balcombe station to Main Street and Mornington Racecourse, running a faster, more direct route that the local routes above, while also serving nearby Moorooduc, which is currently devoid of any form of public transport.
Furthermore, should a passenger accidentally run down the wrong line when the train splits, he or she could use this bus to go to the opposite side of the peninsula and continue their journey as planned.
This service would be supplimented by a light rail service running from Balcombe station to The Bays Hospital via Mornington-Tyabb Road and Main Street, which would help carry large groups of passengers into town, especially during peak periods such asthe morning and evening commutes, and special events at Mornington Racecourse.
Rosebud-Hastings
Another cross-peninsula bus route could run between Rosebud and Hastings, serving the towns of Cape Schanck (which currently has no public transport whatsoever), Flinders, Shoreham and Balnarring, providing them with superior services to the biggest towns on both sides of the peninsula.
Rye-Portsea
At least one feeder bus route would have to be created to connect Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Portsea residents directly to the Rye line. While the Peninsula Explorer tourist buses could in theory suffice, they do not use Myki, so passengers would have to pay for an Explorer ticket AND Myki to use the Explorer to connect.