Exploring the role and opportunities for local governments to improve bus services in their municipalities.

The Metropolitan Transport Forum and member councils want buses play a greater role in delivering high class public transport options to more Melbournians. As is often quoted, the only public transport options available to 70% of Melbourne are buses, many operating infrequently on indirect routes with few passengers.

While Melbourne is set to benefit from a very welcome and much needed investment in transport, including city shaping rail projects, the MTF also believes that long term and visionary investment in buses is required.

To strengthen and enhance the understanding of councils about the potential of buses, the MTF recently held a forum for council staff and councillors called MTF Loves Buses.

This forum was attended by over 60 people from over 29 Melbourne councils. There was a lot of ‘love’ in the room for buses.

Presentations (and links if available)

 The role of buses now and into the future
Jordana Blank, Cait Jones, Department of Transport
Busways project in Brisbane
 Les Carter,MRCagney
Immediate actions to tackle congestion
Caitlin Ryan, Infrastructure Victoria
What councils can do to improve bus services
Professor Graham Currie, Monash University
Information systems – Arevo journey planner app
Elizabeth Kim, RACV
Using bus patronage data
Philip Mallis, City of Darebin
Local bus priority opportunities
Knowles Tivendale, Movement & Place Consulting
Case study of Footscray Station Interchange
Harry Barber, Phillip Boyle and Associates
Short video about NYC Bus Turnaround Campaign
Stephanie Burgos-Veras
http://busturnaround.nyc/ campaign