The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring better transport connections for university students and inner Melbourne residents, announcing additional weekday bus services for Route 505.
Extra services will be added to the popular route connecting Moonee Ponds to the University of Melbourne via Parkville Gardens residential development in order to meet the demands of the growing community.
Services will increase during both the morning and evening peak periods, as well as during the interpeak, giving passengers more options to travel to shops, healthcare and education. In total, more than 10 new services per weekday will be added.
The additional services will provide essential connections to healthcare facilities including Mercy Health Aged Care and both the Royal Park and Parkville campuses of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Students will have more choice about when they choose to travel to and from the University of Melbourne and University High School, giving them more flexibility around class timetables.
While popular destinations such as Melbourne Zoo, Royal Park and Princes Park are also connected to this route.
Route 505 was initially introduced primarily to provide public transport access to the former 2006 Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village, known as Parkville Gardens.
Since then, demand has grown as the Parkville Gardens residential development has continued to expand.
The additional services are all part of Victoria’s Bus Plan, which is delivering important improvements to the state’s bus network to better meet demand, increase accessibility and performance, and deliver value for money.
Timetable information is still being finalised, with the upgraded services set to commence in early 2023 and then be reviewed after 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“Only an Andrews Labor Government is delivering better bus services for all Victorians – no matter where you live or where you need to go.”
“Public transport across the inner city is an essential service, whether it is getting students to school or university, or ensuring residents get to their work or appointments – this investment in additional services is so important.”
Quote attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
“The additional weekday services on bus route 505 will give more Moonee Ponds residents options when they choose to travel to important places including Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Zoo, Princes Park and University of Melbourne.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Sheena Watt
“We are delivering additional bus services to meet the demands of the local inner Melbourne community. As residential developments increase, transport upgrades are crucial to connect people to where they need to go.”
Reviewed 19 September 2022