MEDIA RELEASE – 10 August 2026
The Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) has joined Outer Melbourne Councils in calling on the Victorian Government to “Bus the Loop”, following the proposal reported in today’s Herald Sun.
The proposal would introduce rapid orbital bus services along the Suburban Rail Loop corridor, giving communities better connections across Melbourne’s east while the Government considers the future shape and delivery of the rail project.
ETC Chair Cr Mitch Mazzarella said the proposal closely aligns with ETC’s recently released 2026 State Election Platform, which calls for an express bus route mirroring the proposed SRL alignment.
“ETC is pleased to join Outer Melbourne Councils in calling for the Government to bus the loop,” Cr Mazzarella said.
“This is a practical proposal that could give communities better cross-regional public transport much sooner.”
“Too often, travelling from one part of Melbourne’s east to another by public transport is slow, indirect and inconvenient. A frequent and reliable orbital bus service would help address that gap and give people a genuine alternative to driving.”
Better cross-regional bus connections are central to ETC’s advocacy for an integrated transport network linking major employment, education, health and activity centres across Melbourne’s east.
“Buses are the missing link in many parts of our transport network,” Cr Mazzarella said.
“They can be introduced sooner than major infrastructure projects and deliver benefits across the region, but this will require meaningful investment from the Victorian Government.”
ETC believes communities should not have to wait for better transport outcomes. While discussion continues around the future of the Suburban Rail Loop, there is a clear and immediate need for investment in services and infrastructure that improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support growing communities across Melbourne’s east.
“Decisions about the future of the SRL are a matter for the Victorian Government, but the need for better buses across Melbourne’s east is clear,” Cr Mazzarella said.
“Bus the loop is an opportunity to improve connections, build public transport use and deliver tangible benefits to communities now.”
The ETC is calling on the Victorian Government to commit funding to plan and deliver a frequent orbital bus service along the proposed SRL corridor, supported by coordinated timetables, appropriate bus-priority measures and strong links to the wider public transport network.
“We are asking the Government to turn this proposal into a funded and deliverable service,” Cr Mazzarella said.
“Our communities need public transport that works across Melbourne’s east, not just into and out of the CBD.”
“Build the network, and people will use it. The time to invest is now.”