Victoria’s first ever long-term strategy for better regional public transport is getting closer, with thousands of local residents and stakeholders providing their views on how train, bus and coach services can be improved.
The Regional Transport Advisory Group (RTAG), which has driven community consultation during the development of the Regional Network Development Plan (RNDP), met in Maryborough today.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the response from communities across Victoria had been amazing. During the consultation, more than 1,400 community members and stakeholders attended nearly 40 workshops across the state to have their say on the future of public transport in regional Victoria.
The Government also received more than 1,700 surveys, 670 comments through online discussion forums and 100 submissions, resulting in more than 15,000 pieces of individual feedback.
Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has worked closely with V/Line, the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Training and Resources (DEDJTR), VicRoads, the Bus Association of Victoria and local transport operators to deliver the engagement program and is now focussed on analysing and considering all of the feedback received through the consultation process.
This feedback, along with local transport and planning documents, is being used to prepare a draft Regional Network Development Plan for the Government’s consideration by the end of the year. The state-wide conversation report is expected to be released early next month.
While the formal feedback period to inform the Regional Network Development Plan has closed, people can continue to have their say and provide input through PTV’s regular channels by phoning 1800 800 007 (from 6.00am to midnight), or by visiting .
For more information about the RNDP, and to say informed, go to .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“The Andrews Labor Government is listening to local communities and delivering Victoria’s first short, medium and long-term strategy for better regional public transport.”
“The response from regional Victoria has been amazing, with thousands of people providing feedback through community workshops, surveys and online.”
“Now that the formal consultation period is over, community input received will be analysed and integrated into the Regional Network Development Plan, which will set out priorities for improvements to regional train, bus and coach services over the next 20-30 years.”
“I thank everyone who has participated in our extensive consultation process, and look forward to working with transport planners and representatives on the Regional Transport Advisory Group to translate this local knowledge into concrete improvements to public transport services across regional Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020