Bundoora Tram Route to Reach Harbour by 2026 Under New Policy

The transport policy review includes a new tram route from Bundoora RMIT to the harbour area, with completion targeted by 2026. This route forms part of the measures outlined in the policy documents for local transport links.

Current Bus Performance Data

Buses remain the second slowest transport mode in the area. Data show that only 42% of bus routes operated above benchmark utilization in 2018 and 2026. These figures provide the baseline for assessing how existing services perform for daily travel to work and other local destinations.

The transport strategy sets a target to raise the combined share of public transport, walking and cycling trips to 70% of all journeys. It places emphasis on lowering the proportion of car trips to work within municipalities that include Bundoora. Residents who currently rely on buses or cars for commuting would be the primary group affected if these mode-share shifts occur.

Expected Congestion and Next Steps

Strategic modelling prepared as part of the policy review addresses congestion levels projected to rise between 2026 and 2036. The modelling examines options under the Better Buses program and how they might interact with the new tram route once it opens.

The 2022 Transport Standards Review established national reporting frameworks for compliance with transport standards. These frameworks are referenced in the current policy documents as the basis for tracking progress on the tram route and bus improvements. Residents can monitor updates through official policy channels as the 2026 completion date approaches, with any changes to service patterns communicated closer to that time.

Policy documents also note that forward projections remain subject to the outcomes of ongoing modelling work. No specific interim dates for partial service changes have been set beyond the overall 2026 target for the tram route.