Residents in a previously underserved part of southern Dandenong are set to gain improved access to public transport, with a change to a local bus route expected to bring regular seven-day services closer to more than 2,000 people.
From 12 July, bus route 890, operated by Cranbourne Transit, will be rerouted via Kirkham Road, Morwell Avenue and Allan Street as part of changes announced by the Victorian Government.
The revised route will extend bus coverage to an area west of Hammond Street that has had limited access to regular public transport. Under the changes, residents will have access to services every 40 to 60 minutes, seven days a week, until 8pm.
Community advocacy group Fix Dandy Buses has welcomed the move, saying it will improve access for hundreds of households. Convenor Peter Parker said the rerouting would bring a regular service within easier walking distance for many residents.
“The rerouted 890 will improve bus access to over 2,000 residents in a previously underserved pocket of Dandenong, with walking distance to a regular service halved for many,” he said.
He said the area currently relies largely on a limited deviation of route 857, which operates only twice on weekdays through nearby streets.
Route 890 connects Dandenong and Lynbrook and has historically served a relatively small residential catchment along parts of its alignment. The revised route is expected to broaden access to public transport while maintaining connections between key destinations.
The change marks the second transport improvement backed by Fix Dandy Buses to be implemented in recent years. The group previously campaigned for increased weekend services on route 800 along Princes Highway, which were introduced in 2024.
Mr Parker said further improvements announced in the Victorian State Budget, including seven-day service upgrades for routes 802, 804 and 885, were also welcome.
“We are pleased that the state government is responding to community calls for improved transport through a pipeline of bus service upgrades,” he said.
Public transport advocates have long argued that better bus services can help reduce transport disadvantage in Melbourne’s outer south-east, where many residents rely on buses to access employment, education and essential services.
While welcoming the latest change, Fix Dandy Buses says more work remains. The group is calling for additional funding in the 2027 State Budget to improve service levels on routes 814, 828, 844, 901 and 902, including more frequent services, longer operating hours and better weekend coverage.
The Victorian Government has increasingly focused on targeted bus network improvements in growth areas, although transport advocates continue to argue that demand for better services outpaces current investment levels.
For residents along the revised section of route 890, the July changes are expected to provide a more practical public transport option for daily travel and local connections.
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