Craigieburn Council Approves Community Transport Pilot, Expanding Local Mobility Options

The Craigieburn City Council last night approved the launch of a one-year trial for the Community Link Shuttle, a new local transport service aimed at residents struggling with limited bus routes and lengthy commutes. The 7-2 vote paves the way for reduced-fare minibus service connecting residential neighbourhoods to major shopping precincts, the community health centre, and the train station starting 9 September.

Filling the Transport Gaps

Councillors signalled the urgent need to address mobility gaps after city staff presented a survey showing 28 percent of Craigieburn residents cite infrequent public transport as a major barrier to work, school and medical appointments. The policy follows several months of neighbourhood forums, where calls for greater local investment in accessible transport dominated community feedback. Local advocates note that shifting work patterns and rising living costs have put pressure on families relying on a single car or infrequent bus services.

The new shuttle policy is expected to benefit vulnerable populations first. Parents with prams, older residents and carers will be able to book door-to-door pickups, according to the pilot proposal endorsed last night. The council's draft timetable, released as Attachment 3 to last night's agenda, outlines 32 daily trips connecting Greenvale, the Hothlyn Road precinct and the station at hourly intervals on weekdays, with a reduced Saturday service. Tickets are priced at $2 for adults, $1 for school-aged children, and free for pension card holders.

Measuring the Impact

Council budget figures show $410,000 has been allocated for the trial, with more than half covering vehicle lease and wages for six part-time drivers. City records indicate local bus ridership dropped 13 percent year-on-year, attributed to timetable cuts and cost-of-living pressures. Council staff say the Link Shuttle aims to fill weekday gaps and provide an affordable alternative, with regular usage reviews due by January. The government says the shuttle is projected to serve at least 800 residents monthly, based on modeling commissioned from the City Mobility Reference Group.

Residents wanting to access the service are encouraged to register via the council's website or by phone from late August. After the first six months, the council plans to review feedback and adjust routes or fares as needed. If successful, the pilot is expected to inform longer-term investment decisions on local transport. Council documents state that an evaluation report will go to the March 2027 council meeting to determine whether the service will become permanent.