More bus services recommended

More frequent bus services in Warragul and Drouin are part of a reform package recommended to the State Government.
In a report finalised by the state's infrastructure advisor, it has been recommended the government should introduce more frequent buses that run at least hourly, starting earlier and finishing later everyday in Warragul, Drouin and Bairnsdale.
Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Jonathan Spear said bus services in the three towns were infrequent, indirect and did not connect well to train and coach services.
"The evidence shows more people use buses when they are more frequent," he said.
Dr Spear said bus reform in Torquay saw a 20 per cent increase in passenger numbers with more services and revised routes.
The recently release infrastructure strategy 2025–2055 made 45 recommendations to the State Government across infrastructure sectors including transport, health, housing, energy, social infrastructure and the environment.
The updated strategy offers advice on the projects, policies and reforms critical to Victoria's growth and resilience over the next three decades.
"The government should consult with communities, councils and bus operators to confirm transport needs and then run services to meet them, especially in newer suburbs with no bus services," Dr Spear said.
Infrastructure Victoria also recommended the government make regional fare zones simpler.
"The regional fare cap reduced prices for long distance trips to Melbourne, but it has little impact on shorter trips between regional cities and towns," Dr Spear said.
"Reducing the number of regional fare zones will help to lower the cost of these trips. It simplifies fares and reinforces the regional fare cap by providing cheaper travel across regional Victoria."
Infrastructure Victoria said the government should deliver the changes when it rolled out the upgraded myki system in regional areas and pair the changes with off-peak fare discounts and service upgrades over time.
"Off-peak discounts are a first step to improving Victoria's public transport fares. This should include cheaper fares for buses at all times," Dr Spear said.