We can’t do it on our own…
Public transport is crucial to the growth and wellbeing of communities. The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) strives to give commuters in Melbourne’s east access to good connections, quality interchanges, and frequent and reliable services.
Commuters Count is an ETC campaign aiming to increase funding for, and accelerate the delivery of, significant public transport projects across the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. We are asking for the basics: transport that improves our connectivity, liveability and reduces our impact on the environment.
The initiatives we promote are crucial to the eastern region’s growing business opportunities, thriving job market, clean air and liveable communities. Through the Eastern Transport Coalition you can be part of our movement to expand and improve public transportation in Melbourne’s east by spreading our message:
Residents in Melbourne’s east deserve access to a convenient, affordable, reliable and safe public transportation system.
Help us make good transport ideas a reality – visit our Facebook  www.facebook.com/CommutersCount
What we want for the east:
Train & Tram
Train and tram projects we advocate for
Duplication of the Lilydale Rail Line
We are seeking a clear commitment from the State Government to duplicate the single section of rail line from Mooroolbark Station to Lilydale, and to construct a new station at Cavehill.
Route 75 Tram Extension along Burwood Hwy and Mountain Hwy
The ETC supports Knox City Council’s call for a feasibility and economic impact study to extend Route 75 from the Vermont South tram stop to Upper Ferntree Gully Station via Burwood Hwy and Bayswater Business Precinct via Mountain Hwy.
Caulfield – Rowville Trackless Rapid Transit (TRT)
The ETC is seeking the State Government to strike agreement with the Federal Government to announce funding for a business case for the Caulfield-Rowville Trackless Rapid Transit (TRT) project.
Walking & Cycling
Walking and cycling projects we advocate for
Pedestrian Crossings
A number of priority upgrades to safer pedestrian operated crossing points have been identified across the municipalities in the east which will improve pedestrian safety, increase the natural catchment areas for public transport and improve traffic flow.
Trails
Melbourne’s eastern trail network supports local and regional economic development, local connections, sustainability, and improved safety. Key projects include:
- Box Hill Rail Trail
- Main Yarra Trail
- Ringwood to Croydon Rail Trail
- Waverley Rail Trail
- Yarra Valley Trail
- Ferny Creek Trail
Roads
Road projects we advocate for
Our road network is fundamental to providing a safe and efficient platform for our bus and tram networks and for active transport users – pedestrians and cyclists.
With this in mind we have identified a number of road projects that will provide a safer route for cyclists and pedestrians, through improved intersection signals and controls, and road works that will allow for safer bus movements around bus stops and turning points at key intersections.
Bus
Bus projects we advocate for
Growth is changing urban land use composition and activity, creating new industrial, commercial, medical, education and residential developments often without access to adequate bus routes. Increasingly, the bus network can’t take people directly and easily to access jobs, study, shops or services.
The main issues to be tackled:
- Limited or no bus services to major employment, medical, education, sport venues and residential developments.
- Convoluted and indirect bus routes with long travel times.
- Multiple routes servicing the same key destinations
- Poor integrations with train services/timetables and active transport networks.
- Extensive traffic and parking congestion into and within precincts and around regional venues.
In response, the ETC has put forward informed suggestions for On demand/FlexiRide services, route realignments and extensions, new services and supporting infrastructure and road improvements.
The ETC’s Transport Priorities Policy document…
The transport projects set out in Better Transport for Melbourne’s East – across bus, rail, walking and cycling and road modes – would improve patronage, make better use of existing resources, better connect existing services, improve access to jobs, education and services and support a significant growth in employment and tourism.
All of the projects we have set out are worthy of consideration by all parties as election commitments. The ETC Â will continue to seek engagement with Governments in coming years around these and other projects to bring about genuine upgrades to our public transport system across the east.
If you want to read our full policy document you can access it here:
Add us
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If poor transport infrastructure is a problem for you - share your thoughtsBecome a partner
Do you have a business or an organisation hindered by poor transport in the east?We can't do this on our own
Email or call us today if you want to know how to partner with us, our voice is louder togetherBe part of the story
If you have a story that needs to be heard we would love to help you share itWe need partners!
- Are you a business or a membership organisation in the East?
- Does poor transport infrastructure impact your business, your members or your customers?
- Contact us on info@etc.org.au and we can discuss further how we can impact the decision makers together!
Recent activity
The ETC recently met with Minister Jacinta Allan and Government MPs at Parliament House to discuss our transport priorities for the Eastern Region. Our Councillors did an excellent job of presenting our case for increased services for our local communities, set out in our Better Transport for Melbourne’s East policy document. We will continue to engage with politicians and candidates from all sides in the weeks ahead.