A Dandenong-based public transport group has welcomed the release of Victoria’s 30-year Infrastructure Strategy, saying its focus on improving bus services could be a turning point for the city’s commuters.
The strategy, covering 2025 to 2055, includes 45 recommendations, with an emphasis on actions that can begin within five years. Eight recommendations relate to public transport, including two specifically about buses.
Fix Dandy Buses convenor Peter Parker said Recommendation 9—which calls for buses to run more often, for longer hours, and be given road priority—was particularly relevant to Greater Dandenong.
“This was because too many Dandenong bus routes still do not run seven days with limited operating hours and infrequent service. These include well-used routes like 802, 804 and 814 to major destinations like Chadstone, Springvale and Dandenong,” Mr Parker said.
He pointed to local success stories, citing the surge in usage after the Route 800 weekend service was upgraded. “Bus service upgrades in the Dandenong area had demonstrated patronage success, with Infrastructure Victoria citing the 200% Saturday gain in passengers in the first six months of the Route 800 weekend upgrade,” he said.
Mr Parker also welcomed Recommendation 10, which proposes bus rapid transit routes across Melbourne, including a corridor linking Southland, Dandenong and Endeavour Hills.
“This would speedily connect homes, jobs, shopping, train stations, education and health facilities across Melbourne’s south-east. Suburbs that would benefit include Cheltenham, Dingley, Keysborough and Dandenong.”
He urged the state government to act quickly by extending service hours and weekend frequency on Route 828, which runs through much of the proposed busway route.
“Now that the state government has the report it needs to deliver better 7-day buses across Greater Dandenong to save people time and money,” he said.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
