The Allan Labor Government has delivered a new express shuttle bus service between Craigieburn and Donnybrook stations – providing a faster and more direct option for locals in one of the state’s rapidly growing regions.

The new Route 501 Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via the Hume Freeway will better connect residents in Kalkallo, Donnybrook and Mickleham to train stations on both the metropolitan and V/Line networks.

 

Starting from 7 January 2024, the route will run express between the two stations every 15 minutes on weekdays during peak periods and every 20 minutes throughout the rest of the day, while operating every 40 minutes on weekends.

 

The bus interchange at Craigieburn Station has been upgraded to help run the new service, with Route 525 Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station via Mickleham also seeing bay changes to accommodate.

 

Further upgrades to the bus network will also be made in January, with 21 extra services added to Route 390 Mernda Station to Craigieburn Station via Wollert.

 

Starting from 17 December, passengers will experience a realigned and faster commute on Route 538 Somerset Estate to Broadmeadows via Camp Road and will also benefit from 12 extra Saturday afternoon services.

 

The upgrades are part of the Labor Government’s Victorian Bus Plan, which is improving the state’s bus network to better meet demand and improve services across the state.

 

Information on the service changes will be available from 15 December on the PTV website at ptv.vic.gov.au.

 

Quotes attributable to Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:

“Commuters in Kalkallo, Mickleham and Donnybrook will now have access to an express shuttle bus from Donnybrook Station to Craigieburn Station, better connecting our community.”

“Last year I sponsored a petition to Parliament calling for this incredibly important project, and now we’re delivering it.”

 Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage:

“These new services will ensure communities in Melbourne’s north are better connected to jobs and services, and give people the choice of using V/Line or Metro services.”

 Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams:

 “We’re introducing new bus routes to service rapidly growing suburbs across our state giving those communities more reasons to leave the car at home.”

 “We know how important buses are in communities – which is why these new services will help more people get to the places they want to be.”