Footscray Transport Interchange Upgrades Begin, Reshaping Hospital and Station Access

The Maribyrnong Council released a $9 million plan in 2024 for a centralised Footscray transport interchange on Irving Street, with work also planned to transform Paisley Street for pedestrians and cyclists to fix sub optimal connections between modes.

Footscray Station already operates as a hub for 14 bus routes plus tram and rail services, yet public transport to the new Footscray Hospital remains slower and less frequent than needed, leading to calls for changes under UN 233 recommendations.

Current service gaps for residents

The 414 bus route from Footscray to Laverton runs only once every 40 minutes on weekdays and does not operate on Sundays, earning a poor rating in a PTUA review of services at stations planned for housing growth.

Residents commuting to jobs or medical appointments at the hospital must currently rely on these infrequent connections, while complete funding for the West Gate Distributor southern section to clear trucks from local streets stays unallocated.

Expected rollout sequence

Local advocates note the 2024 interchange plan provides the first concrete step, with physical changes on Irving and Paisley streets projected to begin once detailed designs advance, though no start date has been confirmed in the council release.

State government 2025 draft plans for rezoning near West Footscray station sit alongside these transport measures, but bus frequency improvements tied to the PTUA review would require separate operator negotiations before any timetable changes reach Footscray stops.

Analysts expect residents to notice initial interchange layout works first, followed by any later adjustments to the 14 bus routes serving the station if additional funding is secured.