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Commuters Count Campaign
Rail remains the backbone of Melbourne’s public transport network and is essential to supporting the continued growth of Melbourne’s east. The Eastern Transport Coalition advocates for a rail network that is reliable, accessible, integrated and capable of meeting the needs of growing communities. As Melbourne’s population increases and employment centres become more dispersed, rail services must evolve to provide fast, convenient and connected journeys that reduce congestion and improve access to jobs, education, healthcare and recreation.
Many of the communities across Melbourne’s east rely on rail as their primary connection to the wider metropolitan area. However, capacity constraints, station accessibility issues, network bottlenecks and poor integration with other modes of transport continue to limit the effectiveness of the network.
The ETC supports investment in rail infrastructure, station upgrades, service improvements and better connections between trains, buses, walking and cycling networks. Projects such as the duplication of the Lilydale Line, improvements to major transport hubs like Dandenong Station, and enhanced connections between rail services and surrounding communities will be critical to creating a transport system that works for the future.
Building a stronger rail network is about more than moving people. It is about supporting economic growth, improving liveability and creating a transport system that gives communities genuine travel choice.
The Suburban Rail Loop has the potential to reshape Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and influence how people live, work and travel for decades to come.
The Eastern Transport Coalition recognises the significance of this investment and believes its success will depend on how effectively it integrates with the existing transport network and surrounding communities.
As planning and delivery progresses, the ETC continues to advocate for strong connections between the SRL and existing train, bus, walking and cycling networks. We believe that supporting infrastructure, including active transport links, local bus services and public spaces, must be delivered alongside the project to maximise community benefits and encourage public transport use.
The ETC also advocates for meaningful engagement with councils, communities and businesses throughout planning and delivery. Local knowledge must play a central role in shaping precincts, mitigating construction impacts and ensuring long-term outcomes align with community needs.
Regardless of future decisions about the project, our focus remains on delivering an integrated transport network that improves connectivity, provides certainty for communities and supports the sustainable growth of Melbourne’s east.
Many of the communities across Melbourne’s east rely on rail as their primary connection to the wider metropolitan area. However, capacity constraints, station accessibility issues, network bottlenecks and poor integration with other modes of transport continue to limit the effectiveness of the network.
The ETC supports investment in rail infrastructure, station upgrades, service improvements and better connections between trains, buses, walking and cycling networks. Projects such as the duplication of the Lilydale Line, improvements to major transport hubs like Dandenong Station, and enhanced connections between rail services and surrounding communities will be critical to creating a transport system that works for the future.
Building a stronger rail network is about more than moving people. It is about supporting economic growth, improving liveability and creating a transport system that gives communities genuine travel choice.
We want Melbourne’s east to be Australia’s most liveable urban region, where people build the best future for themselves, their families, and their businesses.
To realise this vision, Melbourne’s east needs government investment in better public transport, so our communities and businesses are connected by world class transport links that protect
liveability, ensure sustainability, and promote economic growth.
Help us make good transport ideas a reality in Melbourne’s east. There are several ways to be part of the conversation.
If you want better transport in the east – be part of the conversation
Do you have a business or an organisation hindered by poor transport in the east?
If you have a story that needs to be heard we would love to help you share it
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.
Cr Stuart James – Chair of the ETC, Councillor, City of Monash
Get in touch with us to learn how you can support better transport outcomes for your community.