Geelong Council Demands $1 Bus Fares and Network Overhaul in Transport Review
Geelong councillors have launched a bold push for a $1 flat bus fare, enhanced school transport safety, and a comprehensive overhaul of the Moorabool Street interchange. This initiative comes as part of a state government review that could fundamentally reshape the region's public transport network.
State Government Review and Council Submissions
The Victorian state government recently concluded a two-month public consultation for its 2026 Bus Network Review, covering Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and Bannockburn. The consultation period ended on April 12, with results expected to be announced in June. Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj has urgently addressed overcrowded school buses in a letter to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, dated April 13.
The letter highlights severe overcrowding issues, with students forced to stand during peak services, raising significant safety and capacity concerns. This aligns with earlier calls from Clonard College and St Joey's principals Luci Quinn and Tony Paatsch, who requested a review of school bus services in greater Geelong back in February 2026.
$1 Flat Bus Fare Proposal
Geelong Councillor Anthony Aitken is spearheading the campaign for a $1 flat-rate bus fare, arguing it would boost public transport usage. "If I only had to pay one dollar for the bus, I'd use it all the time," Aitken stated. He emphasized the need for an affordable and straightforward pricing model to drive patronage, suggesting that increased ridership could justify additional services.
Key Recommendations from the City of Greater Geelong
The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) submitted 13 key recommendations to the state government review, including:
- Deliver higher-frequency, direct, and limited-express services connecting Bellarine Peninsula towns with Central Geelong and major employment, education, and health precincts.
- Simplify the network to create more direct routes with fewer deviations.
- Assess the Moorabool Street Bus Interchange location and configuration to address community concerns regarding safety, amenity, and accessibility.
Moorabool Street Interchange Concerns
The Moorabool Street bus interchange has been identified as a critical issue, with persistent complaints about safety and quality, especially during evenings and at night. The council's submission notes that a safe, well-designed interchange is essential for public transport accessibility and can influence people's decision to use the system.
Community consultations revealed strong dissatisfaction, with one resident stating, "The location and amenities at the Moorabool St bus station need to be improved and made safer. I will not use them or go near them." Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) Geelong branch convener Jarred Crowe echoed these concerns, calling for staffed support during busy times to assist passengers and reduce reliance on police resources.
Next Steps and Government Response
A Department of Transport and Planning spokesman confirmed that feedback from the review is currently being analyzed. The outcomes, expected in June, will determine which proposals are implemented to enhance Geelong's public transport network, potentially making it more affordable, efficient, and user-friendly for residents.
