At the University of Melbourne to mark the start of the new service, Mr Hudson said it would run every three to six minutes from North Melbourne Station to the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, significantly cutting journey times for people accessing those destinations from North Melbourne station.

“Route 401 is the most frequent, most direct and – with only two stops – the most efficient public transport option for people travelling from North Melbourne Station to the university and hospital,” Mr Hudson said.

“Previously, commuters from Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, as well as some from Melbourne’s north and west, have had to travel into the City Loop from North Melbourne Station in order to get to Carlton and Parkville. With the introduction of Route 401, this is no longer necessary.

“Route 401 is the only bus route in Victoria to run every three minutes during the morning and evening peaks, with the capacity to transfer up to 1,000 passengers an hour. This will free up much-needed space on the City Loop in peak times.

“A typical journey from North Melbourne Station to the University of Melbourne will take about 10 minutes, which is much quicker and easier than travelling back into the City Loop and catching a tram.

In addition to servicing the university and hospital precinct, Route 401 runs to the corner of Lincoln Square North and Swanston Street, a short distance from the Royal Womens’ Hospital and Lygon Street.

The bus will operate on a pre-pay system, further reducing waiting times at the bus stop.

“Passengers will need to have a ticket before boarding the bus, either by purchasing a Metcard at North Melbourne Station or other retail outlets, or having a valid Metcard or V/Line ticket from their connecting rail journey,” Mr Hudson said.

“The pre-pay system means passengers can board quickly, allowing buses to run more frequently and on time, which is crucial during peak hour.”

Route 401 commences operations today just in time for the beginning of first semester classes at the University of Melbourne. It will operate between Monday and Friday from 7am to 7.30pm, with services running every three minutes between 7am and 9.30am, and 2.45pm and 6.45pm, and every six minutes during other times and non-semester weeks.

For more information on tickets and travel times, call Metlink on 131 638 or visit Metlink’s website at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au.