View source for Transport in Melbourne

{{short description|Overview of transport in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2012}}{{multiple image
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| image1            = Melbourne train logo.svg
| image2            = Melbourne tram logo.svg
| image3            = Victoria bus logo.svg
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| image5            = Victoria coach logo.svg
| image6            = Melbourne ferry logo.svg
| image7            = Melbourne skybus logo.svg
| footer            = The PTV public transport symbols. Left to right: [[Metro Trains Melbourne|Metro Train]], tram, bus, [[V/Line]] train, [[V/Line]] coach, ferry, [[SkyBus (airport bus)|SkyBus]]
}}

[[File:Z3 161 on route 55 next to Melbourne Bus Link number 354 (0354AO) Scania on route 220, with Metro Alstom X'trapolis 10M, 2013.JPG|300px|thumb|alt=Tram next to a bus, with a train passing above|[[Yarra Trams]] [[Z-class Melbourne tram|Z-class tram]] beside a [[Melbourne Bus Link]] [[Scania AB|Scania]] bus, with a [[Metro Trains Melbourne|Metro Trains]] [[X'Trapolis 100]] passing above]]
[[File:Melbourne Metro Area OpenStreetMap.png|thumb|alt=Map of Melbourne|300px|Road map of the Melbourne metropolitan area by [[OpenStreetMap]]]]

'''Transport in Melbourne''', the state capital of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]], consists of several interlinking modes. [[Melbourne]] is a hub for intercity, intracity and regional travel. Road-based transport accounts for most trips across many parts of the city,<ref name="ABSCensusMay2018">{{cite web |title=How far do Australians go to get to work? |url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/mediareleasesbyCatalogue/EC802A92025821DFCA2582950001F5DD?OpenDocument |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |access-date=19 October 2018 |date=22 May 2018}}</ref> facilitated by Australia's largest freeway network.<ref name="ptua.org.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.ptua.org.au/publications/wrongway/|title=PTUA – 'The Alternative to Melbourne's Freeway Explosion'|access-date=26 July 2007}}</ref> Public transport, including the world's largest [[Trams in Melbourne|tram network]], [[Railways in Melbourne|trains]] and [[Buses in Melbourne|buses]], also forms a key part of the transport system. Other dominant modes include [[Pedestrian|walking]], [[cycling]] and commercial-passenger vehicle services such as [[Taxicab|taxis]]. 

Melbourne is a busy regional transport hub for the statewide [[List of regional railway stations in Victoria|passenger rail network]], [[Coach (bus)|coaches]] and interstate rail services to [[New South Wales]] and [[South Australia]]. Freight transport also makes up a significant proportion of trips made on the network from the [[Port of Melbourne]], [[Melbourne Airport]] and industrial areas across the city.

According to the [[2016 Australian census]], Melbourne has the second-highest rate of public transport usage among Australian capital cities for travel to work at 19 percent, second to Sydney's 27 percent.<ref name="ABSCensusMay2018" /> In 2017-2018, 565 million passenger trips were made on Melbourne's metropolitan public transport network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://static.ptv.vic.gov.au/PTV/PTV%20docs/AnnualReport/1537427629/PTV_Annual-Report_2017-2018.PDF|title=Public Transport Victoria Annual report 2017-2018|date=November 2018|website=static.ptv.vic.gov.au|access-date=2019-01-10}}</ref> 

Melbourne has the most road space per capita of any Australian city, with its freeway network being comparable to [[Los Angeles]] and [[Atlanta]] in terms of its size and scale.<ref>[http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/aboutus/pdf/census-travel-to-work-1976-2006.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006204157/http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/aboutus/pdf/census-travel-to-work-1976-2006.pdf|date=6 October 2008}}</ref> Much of Australia's [[automotive industry]] was located in Melbourne until all manufacturing ceased at the end of 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Holden to cease local production in 2017.|url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2013/12/11/holden-to-cease-local-production-in-2017.html|publisher=AUSmotive.com|access-date=11 December 2013|author=AUSmotive.com| date = 11 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="abc20130523">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-23/ford-to-close-geelong-and-broadmeadows-plants/4707960 |title=Ford Australia to close Broadmeadows and Geelong plants, 1,200 jobs to go |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2013-05-23 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)]] |access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref><ref name="SMH">{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/toyota-to-exit-australia-30000-jobs-could-go-20140210-32cl3.html |title=Toyota to exit Australia, 30,000 jobs could go |last=Hawthorne |first=Mark |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=10 February 2014 |access-date=19 February 2014}}</ref> The state government, as part of the release of the [[Melbourne 2030]] planning strategy in 2002, set a target for [[modal share]] of cars to decrease to 80 percent by 2020. However, increases in car usage since this target was set has not shown the decline that was initially predicted.<ref>{{cite web |title=More than two in three drive to work, Census reveals |url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyReleaseDate/7DD5DC715B608612CA2581BF001F8404?OpenDocument |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |access-date=19 October 2018 |date=23 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Melbourne traffic: Rise in car numbers keeping pace with population growth |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-20/melbourne-traffic-rise-in-cars-keeping-pace-with-population/7186378 |access-date=19 October 2018 |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 February 2016}}</ref>

=={{anchor|Timeline}}Timeline==
*1837: The [[Hoddle Grid]], Melbourne's first street system, is laid out.
*1844: [[Princes Bridge]] on [[St Kilda Road]], a toll bridge and the first over the [[Yarra River]], opens.
*1849: Melbourne's main streets are paved.
*1850: Tolls are removed from Princes Bridge.
*1854: [[Flinders Street railway station]] and the first rail line to Sandridge ([[Port Melbourne, Victoria|Port Melbourne]]) open.
*1858: The [[Southern Cross railway station|Spencer Street station]] is built, connecting Melbourne to the rest of Victoria.
*1885: First [[Melbourne cable tramway system|cable tram]] to [[Hawthorn, Victoria|Hawthorn]]
*1889: First [[Trams in Melbourne|electric tram]] between [[Doncaster, Victoria|Doncaster]] and [[Box Hill, Victoria|Box Hill]]
*1890: [[Doncaster railway line]] first proposed.
*1891: [[Flinders Street Viaduct]] opens as a single, then double track link between Flinders Street and Spencer Street stations.
*1910: Present [[Flinders Street railway station|Flinders Street station]] opens as the main suburban railway terminus.
*1919: Electrification of the [[Railways in Melbourne|suburban rail network]] commences, continuing to this day
*1920s: Flinders Street station declared the world's busiest station several times.
*1940: The [[Ashworth Improvement Plan]] details proposed improvements to suburban rail in the inner city.
*1966: [[St Kilda Junction]] remodelled and Queens Way underpass created for new highways at [[Princes Highway|Dandenong Road]] and [[Hoddle Highway|Punt Road]].
*1969: [[1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan|Melbourne Transportation Plan]] released planning numerous freeways and railways.
*1970: The [[West Gate Bridge]] collapses, and the [[Melbourne Underground Rail Loop Authority]] is established.
*1971: The [[City Loop|Melbourne Underground Rail Loop]] project begins.
*1977: First section of [[Eastern Freeway, Melbourne|Eastern Freeway]] opens, with land reserved for a [[Doncaster railway line]]. The $202 million toll West Gate Bridge opens. [[Hoddle Highway]] is created from a four-lane widening of Hoddle Street and the demolition of buildings on the east side of Hoddle Street.
*1980: The [[Lonie Report]] recommends replacing half the tram system with buses, as well as several railway lines in Melbourne and Victoria to be closed, but no tram routes were closed, and only 2 rail lines were closed to be replaced by trams.
*1981: First stage of the Melbourne Underground Rail Loop opens.
*1982: A [[Transport Act 1983|transport bill]] is introduced in the [[Victorian Parliament]].
*1983: Transport Act 1983 receives royal assent on 23 June and becomes effective on 1 July. The act creates the [[State Transport Authority (Victoria)|State Transport Authority]], the [[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|Metropolitan Transit Authority]], the [[Road Construction Authority]] and the [[Road Traffic Authority]]. [[Victorian Railways]], the [[Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board]] and the [[Country Roads Board]] are abolished.
*1985: Tolls removed from the West Gate Bridge.
*1987: [[St Kilda railway line|St Kilda]] and [[Port Melbourne railway line|Port Melbourne]] railway lines replaced by trams.
*1989: Construction of the $631 million [[Western Ring Road]] begins. The [[Public Transport Corporation]] and [[VicRoads]] replace the State Transport Authority, Metropolitan Transit Authority, Road Construction Authority and Road Traffic Authority on 1 July.
*1992: A new government is elected in October under Premier [[Jeff Kennett]]. [[Alan Brown (Australian politician)|Alan Brown]] is appointed Minister for Public Transport and [[Bill Baxter (Victorian politician)|Bill Baxter]] Minister for Roads and Ports. The Ministry of Transport is replaced by the Department of Transport, and transport administration functions are transferred from the Public Transport Corporation to the secretary of the Department of Transport.
*1994: Free [[City Circle Tram]] begins.
*1995: The [[Cranbourne railway line|Dandenong to Cranbourne rail electrification]] opens, reinstating passenger service after several years, and the Public Transport Competition Act is passed by Parliament.
*1996: Construction of the $2 billion [[CityLink]] tollway begins, and the Rail Corporations Act is passed by Parliament.
*1997: Design of the franchising of the public transport network begins.
*1998: Legislation establishes the [[Director of Public Transport]] to manage public transport service and [[VicTrack]], to own public-transport land and assets.
*1999: The Western Ring Road and the [[Bolte Bridge]], the second major road over the Yarra River, open. The state government commissions the [[Linking Victoria]] study.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.budget.vic.gov.au/domino/web_notes/budgets/budget00.nsf/77a4bf9f4e5005c64a2567600023b4a3/54fd7a0b57d7c68a4a2568d300243240!OpenDocument |title=Archived copy |access-date=3 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216105511/http://www.budget.vic.gov.au/domino/web_notes/budgets/budget00.nsf/77a4bf9f4e5005c64a2567600023b4a3/54fd7a0b57d7c68a4a2568d300243240!OpenDocument |archive-date=16 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Director of Public Transport]], [[VicTrack]] and the franchising of services begin.
*2002: Transport Minister [[Peter Batchelor]] announces that the [[airport rail link]] to Tullamarine would not viable for another 10 years, and commits to upgrading [[SkyBus (airport bus)|SkyBus]] service to the airport.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/4d9fa39283ff510d4a256b36001bd4e0/b88151674d2071734a256bd7000598b0!OpenDocument&Click=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216105254/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/MediaRelArc02.nsf/4d9fa39283ff510d4a256b36001bd4e0/b88151674d2071734a256bd7000598b0%21OpenDocument%26Click%3D|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-date=16 February 2009|url-status=dead|title=World Class Airport Bus Service To Slash Travel Time|date=12 June 2002|publisher=Minister for Transport}}</ref> The state government commissions a ''Melbourne 2030'' planning report, aimed at addressing population growth of up to a million new residents. With recommendations for transport, including the expansion of major activity centres (such as Dandenong and Camberwell) with access to public transport and tripling of the [[Orbost railway line|Dandenong line]], the document aimed for 20% of trips in Melbourne to be made by public transport by 2020.
*2003: The $23 million [[Melbourne tram route 109|Box Hill tram-light rail extension]] opens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/9eab51baa5822b08ca256d1d00088a96!OpenDocument |title=Media Release: Melbourne'S New Tramline Unveiled |publisher=Dpc.vic.gov.au |access-date=23 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519080248/http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/b0222c68d27626e2ca256c8c001a3d2d/9eab51baa5822b08ca256d1d00088a96!OpenDocument |archive-date=19 May 2011 }}</ref>
*2004: The ''Linking Melbourne: Metropolitan Transport Plan'' summarised findings of the Inner West Integrated Transport Study, North East Integrated Transport Study, Outer Western Suburbs Transport Strategy, Whittlesea Strategic Transport Infrastructure Study and Northern Central City Corridor Strategy, recommending $1.5 billion in investment. The Southern Cross Station redevelopment (which ran late and over budget), Docklands light-rail extension and the Regional Fast Train system were planned for the Commonwealth Games. The $30.5 million Vermont South tram extension begins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/35504bc71d3adebcca256cfc0082c2b8/2ee9255081457a8aca256e2d00764052!OpenDocument |title=Media Release: Vermont South Tram Extension One Step Closer |publisher=Dpc.vic.gov.au |date=29 January 2004 |access-date=23 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519080257/http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/35504bc71d3adebcca256cfc0082c2b8/2ee9255081457a8aca256e2d00764052!OpenDocument |archive-date=19 May 2011 }}</ref>
[[File:Melbourne Train Rush Hour 01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Southern Cross Station]]]]
*2005: The $2.5 billion [[EastLink, Melbourne|EastLink Freeway]] project begins.
*2006: The state government releases ''Meeting our Transport Challenges'', a $10 billion plan to improve public transport and roads. It includes a "Think Tram" project to reduce tram travel times and recommendations for a (delayed) SmartBus system for the eastern suburbs. The [[Rail Safety Act]], Victoria's first rail-safety statute, becomes effective on 1 August. New transport-ticketing regulations begin. The state's first independent [[Director, Public Transport Safety|rail and bus safety regulator]] and [[Chief Investigator, Transport Safety|rail, bus and marine safety investigator]] begin on 1 August.
*2007: [[Myki]], a new public-transport ticketing system which was delayed and over budget, is scheduled to be introduced. The state government commissions an east-west transport plan. Public-transport ticketing zone 3 is abolished. An accreditation scheme for taxi, bus and other commercial passenger-vehicle drivers and for taxi-industry licence-holders, operators and network-service providers begins on 1 July. Australia's first "Copenhagen style" cycleways are implemented in Swanston Street, Carlton;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bv.com.au/change-the-world/11629/ |title=Inner: Swanston RMIT to Melbourne University – Bicycle Victoria |publisher=Bv.com.au |date=29 April 2008 |access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref> [[Tim Pallas]] rejects a Melbourne City Council plan for a Copenhagen-style cycleway on St Kilda Road.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/minister-runs-down-cycle-plan/2007/03/02/1172338882523.html | location=Melbourne, Australia |work=The Age | title=Minister runs down cycle plan | date=3 March 2007 | first1=Clay | last1=Lucas | first2=Royce | last2=Millar}}</ref> The [[Accident Towing Services Act]] is passed by Parliament.
*2008: The [[Port Phillip Channel Deepening Project]], a dredging project to deepen Melbourne's shipping channels, begins. The $18 billion [[Eddington Transport Report, Victoria|Eddington Transport Report]], aimed at reducing traffic congestion, focuses on East–West routes and includes a controversial 18-kilometre road tunnel and 17-kilometre rail tunnel and a new rail line from [[Werribee]] to [[Deer Park, Victoria]] but does not address [[greenhouse gas emissions|greenhouse emissions]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/questions-over-18bn-eastwest-link/2008/04/02/1206851013764.html |title=$18 billion to link east and west |work=The Age |date=3 April 2008 |access-date=23 May 2011 |location=Melbourne, Australia |first1=Royce |last1=Millar |first2=Clay |last2=Lucas |first3=David |last3=Rood |first4=Adam |last4=Morton}}</ref> [[EastLink (Melbourne)|Eastlink]] opens, and the Monash–CityLink–West Gate freeway upgrade begins. The [[Department of Transport (Victoria, 2008–13)]] replaces the Department of Infrastructure. The [[Australian Greens Victoria]] transport plan is released. Public Transport Minister [[Lynne Kosky]] postpones an airport link 20 years.<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/delay-on-airport-rail-link/2008/04/03/1206851106603.html Rail link way down the track] from theage.com.au</ref> The [[Victorian Transport Plan]], the state government's fourth "long-term" transport statement since 2002, is released.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/strategy-to-ease-the-squeeze-20080914-4gar.html?page=-1
|title=Strategy to ease the squeeze
|work=The Age
|author= Clay Lucas, Jason Dowling and Ben Schneiders
|date=15 September 2008
|access-date=15 September 2008
| location=Melbourne, Australia
}}</ref> New Melbourne Lord Mayor [[Robert Doyle]] proposes returning vehicle traffic to Swanston Street.
*2009: The [[Accident Towing Services Act]] mandates new standards for tow-truck operations (including licence holders and drivers) on 1 January. The Transport Integration Bill (later the [[Transport Integration Act]]) is introduced in the Victorian Parliament on 10 December. [[Myki]] is introduced in late December on suburban trains. The Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009, speeding planning consents and delivery of rail, road and port projects, is passed by Parliament and begins on 1 September. [[Metro Trains Melbourne]] took over metropolitan rail operations from [[Connex Melbourne]] on 30 November 2009.
*2010: A Fair Fines package begins on 1 February as part of Transport (Infringements) Regulations 2010, with infringement penalties for minors reduced by two-thirds and a graduated-penalties programme eliminated. The [[Transport Integration Act]] is passed by the [[Victorian Parliament]] in February, and becomes law on 1 July. [[Melbourne Bike Share]], a public bicycle-hire service, is planned for mid-year. The [[Transport Act 1983]] is renamed the [[Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983]] on 1 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/tama1983385.txt/cgi-bin/download.cgi/download/au/legis/vic/consol_act/tama1983385.txt|title=Transport (Comliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Public-transport and marine-safety regulators merge to create the [[Director, Transport Safety]] on 1 July after the merger of [[Director, Public Transport Safety]] (Public Transport Safety Victoria) and Director, Marine Safety (Marine Safety Victoria). The Victorian Regional Channels Authority and the Port of Hastings Corporation are merged with the [[Port of Melbourne Corporation]] on 1 September. The new state government, elected on 27 November under Premier [[Ted Baillieu]] with [[Terry Mulder]] as Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Roads, [[Denis Napthine]] as Minister for Ports and [[Edward O'Donohue|Edward O'Donoghue]] as Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, promises to create the [[Victorian Public Transport Development Authority]] to plan and manage public transport in Victoria and Melbourne. The [[Tourist and Heritage Railways Act]] and the Marine Safety Act 2010 are passed by the Victorian Parliament. The [[Bus Safety Act]] begins on 31 December.
*2011: Terry Mulder announces the government's intention in March to hold a [[Taxi Industry Inquiry]], which begins in late May headed by [[Allan Fels]]. The [[Transport Legislation Amendment (Taxi Services Reform and Other Matters) Act 2011]] passes the Victorian Parliament on 29 June, empowering the Taxi Industry Inquiry and creating the [[Taxi Services Commission]] (which begins operations on 19 July). The Transport Legislation Amendment (Port of Hastings Development Authority) Act 2011 passes the Victorian Parliament on 16 August, creating the [[Port of Hastings Development Authority]]. The [[Tourist and Heritage Railways Act]] and the Tourist and Heritage Railways Regulations 2011 become effective on 1 October. the Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) Act 2011 passes the Victorian Parliament on 27 October, empowering [[Public Transport Victoria]] (which begins operations on 15 December). The Port Management Amendment (Port of Melbourne Licence Fee) Bill 2011, introduced in the Victorian Parliament in early December, proposes a $75 million annual fee to be paid by the [[Port of Melbourne Corporation]] to the Victorian government.
*2012: The [[Port of Hastings Development Authority]] begins operations on 1 January, reversing the merger of the former Port of Hastings Corporation and the [[Port of Melbourne Corporation]]. The [[Public Transport Development Authority]] (now known as [[Public Transport Victoria]]) takes over train, tram and bus service in Victoria on 2 April, in accordance with the Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) Act 2011. The extension of the [[Mernda railway line|Epping railway line]] to [[South Morang railway station|South Morang]] is completed in April. The Port of Melbourne Corporation becomes liable on 1 July for a $75 million licence fee to the government, in accordance with the Port Management Amendment (Port of Melbourne Licence Fee) Act 2012. The Marine Safety Act 2010 begins on 1 July, setting new standards for commercial and recreational vessels; the Marine Act 1988 is repealed. Strict drug controls (for anyone in charge of a vessel) and zero blood-alcohol controls introduced for commercial vessel operators are introduced by the Transport Legislation Amendment (Drug and Alcohol Controls and Other Matters) Act 2012 on 1 December. The federal government approves plans for [[Avalon Airport]] to become Melbourne's second international airport. The [[Metcard]] ticketing system ends in December, leaving [[Myki]] Melbourne's sole public-transport ticketing system. Laws are enacted late in the year to support the opening and operation of the [[Peninsula Link]] freeway. The PTV Network Development Plan for Metropolitan Rail was introduced in December 2012, which outlines what the government's plans for the future of rail in Melbourne would be.
*2013: The Peninsula Link freeway opens in January. A$78 million "handover area" building project begins at train stations.<ref name="Kate">{{cite news|title=Holding cells being built at Melbourne train stations|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-06/holding-cells-being-built-at-melbourne-train/4738876?section=vic|access-date=7 June 2013|work=ABC|date=6 June 2013|author=Kate Stowell|format=Video upload}}</ref> The [[Director of Public Transport]] and the [[Transport Ticketing Authority]] are abolished on 1 July, and their functions become part of Public Transport Victoria. The [[Taxi Services Commission]] becomes the state's taxi and hire-car regulator on 1 July, replacing the Victorian Taxi Directorate (which was abolished).
*2015: The [[Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources]] (DEDJTR) replaces the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure as the department responsible for transport policy. The [[Level Crossing Removal Project]] (LXRP) was founded in May 2015 to remove 50 dangerous level crossing across Melbourne.
*2015: The [[Regional Rail Link]] opens in June, separating regional [[Ballarat railway station|Ballarat]], [[Bendigo railway station|Bendigo]] and [[Geelong railway station|Geelong]] service from the [[Werribee line|Werribee Line]]. Two new stations are built, at [[Tarneit railway station|Tarneit]] and [[Wyndham Vale railway station|Wyndham Vale]]. Site investigations commence for the Metro Tunnel.
*2016: 8 level crossings were removed by the LXRP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au|title=Home {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Authority|website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref> In February 2016 the business case for the Metro Tunnel is released to the public.
*2016: In June 2016 contracts are awarded for early works on the Metro Tunnel
*2016: In December 2016 Environmental Impact Statements were published
*2017: Contracts awarded for the tunnel and stations construction as well as rail system upgrades in preparation for the Metro Tunnel
*2017: A further 3 level crossings were removed by the LXRP.
*2017: City Square in the Melbourne CBD is closed off as work commences on the construction of Town Hall Station.
**2017: Toorak Road trams are connected to St Kilda Rd for construction of Anzac Station.
*2017: [[Transport for Victoria]] is formed within DEDJTR by an amendment to the Transport Integration Act, to plan and coordinate the transport network as a statutory body on behalf of the [[Department of Transport (Victoria, 2008–2013)|Department of Transport.]]
*2018: The federal and state governments announced that they would be funding a connection to the airport as part of the existing rail network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jul/22/melbourne-airport-rail-link-daniel-andrews-matches-turnbulls-5bn|title=Melbourne airport rail link: Daniel Andrews matches Turnbull's $5bn|last=Henriques-Gomes|first=Luke|date=2018-07-22|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref>
*2018: The state government announces plans for the [[Suburban Rail Loop]], a new heavy rail line to connect existing train corridors in non-CBD locations to facilitate cross-suburban travel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/28/massive-melbourne-suburban-train-loop-pledged-by-victorian-government|title=Massive Melbourne suburban train loop pledged by Victorian government|last=Henriques-Gomes|first=Luke|date=2018-08-28|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref>
*2018: Contract awarded for rail infrastructure connections and upgrades in preparation for the Metro Tunnel.
*2018: 28 more level crossings were removed by the LXRP
*2018: Mernda Rail Extension is complete, with 8km of new twin pairs of track and 3 new stations at Mernda, Hawkstowe and Middle Gorge. 
*2019: The [[Department of Transport (Victoria, 2019–)|Department of Transport]] is separated from DEDJTR as the department responsible for transport policy.
*2019: 2 level crossings were removed by the LXRP.
*2020: 12 more level crossings were removed by the LXRP.
*2021: Victoria's Bus Plan was released by the [[Department of Transport (Victoria, 2019–)|Department of Transport]].
*2021: 13 level crossings were removed by the LXRP.
*2021: The LXRP announces a further 10 level crossings to be removed by 2025.
*2022: 11 more level crossings were removed by the LXRP
*2022: In February 2024, 8km of track duplication between Dandenong and Cranbourne is complete.
*2023: A further 7 crossings are removed by the LXRP
*2024: In November 2024, Victoria's Zero-Emission Bus Transition Plan was released, outlining how the state's public buses will transition to a 100% zero-emissions fleet.
*2024: 10 more crossings are removed by the LXRP.


'''Metro Tunnel Project Milestones:'''

== Planning and procurement stage ==

* April 2015 – Site investigations begin
* February 2016 – Metro Tunnel Business Case released
* June 2016 – Contract awarded for early works
* December 2016 – Environment Effects Statement process finishes
* July 2017 – Contracts awarded for tunnel and stations construction and rail system upgrades
* July 2018 – Contract awarded for rail infrastructure connections and upgrades

== Early works stage ==

* April 2017 – City Square closed as work begins on Town Hall Station
* July 2017 – Toorak Road trams connected to St Kilda Road for construction of Anzac Station
* September 2017 – Demolition and archaeology digs in the CBD begin
* October 2017 – Construction of the first acoustic shed begins (at Franklin Street)
* February 2018 – Grattan Steet closed for construction of Parkville Station
* August 2018 - Piling works at City Square begin
* December 2018 - Federation Square Visitor Centre demolished

== Major construction stage ==

* August 2019 – First tunnel boring machine (TBM) launches at the Arden Station site
* February 2020 – First TBM breakthrough completes a section of tunnel from Arden to Kensington
* July 2020 – New platform at West Footscray Station open
* May 2021 – All TBM tunnelling complete
* February 2022 – Track installation begins
* March 2022 – Sunshine Signal Control Centre completed
* December 2022 – New Anzac Station tram stop open
* March 2023 – Track installation completed with the Metro Tunnel connected to the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines
* January 2024 – Arden Station complete
* May 2024 – Parkville Station complete
* September 2024 – Anzac Station complete

== Testing stage ==

* June 2023 – First test trains enter the Metro Tunnel
* October 2023 – High Capacity Signalling introduced on sections of the Cranbourne and Pakenham line
* October 2023– High Capacity Metro Train begin running on the Sunbury Line
* September 2024 - Testing begins with multiple trains in the tunnel
* January 2025 - Trial operations begin including station staff training
* April 2025 - Metro Trains Melbourne staff move into Arden, Anzac and Parkville stations

=={{anchor|Passenger Mode share}}Mode share and patronage==
[[File:Melbourneptpatronagevspopulation1949.svg|thumb|Chart showing public transport patronage in Melbourne since 1949 split by mode and population.]]
[[File:Melbourne Annual Public Transport Patronage Per Capita from 1949.svg|thumb|Chart showing public transport patronage in Greater Melbourne since 1949 as trips per person.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="white-space: nowrap;"
|+2016 method of travel to work in [[Greater Melbourne]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Greater Melbourne, Census all persons QuickStats |url=https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2016/2GMEL#employment |access-date=6 Jun 2023 |website=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>
|-
| Public transport || 16%
|-
| Car || 67%
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="white-space: nowrap;"
|+ 2016 journey to work trips in the [[City of Melbourne|Melbourne LGA]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Transport Strategy Refresh – Public Transport |url=https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.com-participate.files/7015/2412/3934/Transport_Strategy_refresh_-__Public_Transport.PDF |publisher=Melbourne City Council |access-date=17 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ipsos Public Affairs |title=Journey to Work 2016 |url=https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.com-participate.files/8115/2150/7514/VISTA_2015-16_Summary.pdf |access-date=10 Jun 2023 |website=[[Amazon Web Services]]}}</ref>
|-
| Public transport || 56%
|-
| Car || 32%
|-
| Walking || 6%
|-
| Bicycle || 4%
|-
| Other || 2%
|}

{{clear}}

==Public transport==
{{See also|Public Transport Victoria}}
Melbourne's public transport system includes rail, tram and bus services. Its [[Trams in Melbourne|tram network]] is the largest in the world.<ref>{{cite web |title=Facts & figures |url=https://yarratrams.com.au/facts-figures |publisher=Yarra Trams |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref> Almost 300 [[bus]] routes and [[Railways in Melbourne|16 rail lines]] serve Greater Melbourne.

Since [[World War II]] Melbourne has become a dispersed, car-oriented city, leading to a decline in public transport use.<ref name="gleeson">Gleeson, B., Curtis, C., & Low, N. (2003). 'Barriers to Sustainable Transport in Australia', in N. Low and B. Gleeson (eds.), Making Urban Transport Sustainable, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, pp. 201–220.</ref> The original transport patterns of urban development are still reflected Melbourne's prewar areas.<ref name="gleeson" /> The operation of Melbourne's public transport system was [[Privatisation|privatised]] by the government in 1999. Under this arrangement, rail and tram operations are contracted to private companies while the infrastructure remained under government control. Several operators have been awarded contracts since its commencement, including [[Connex Melbourne]], [[M-Train|M>Train]] and [[Keolis Downer]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091201034705/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/30/2756815.htm New train, tram companies open for business], [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]], 30 November 2009.</ref> Despite initial plans that government subsidies would decrease to zero by 2015, payments to private companies have instead increased significantly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lucas |first1=Clay |title=Billions go to train and tram operators with little improvement |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/billions-go-to-train-and-tram-operators-with-little-improvement-20151208-glilfc.html |access-date=19 October 2018 |agency=The Age |date=9 December 2015}}</ref>

Since the mid-2000s patronage has grown steadily on Melbourne's public transport system, particularly the metropolitan train and tram networks, leading to significant investment in the system and a number of major infrastructure projects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=2018-04-08 |title=Melbourne's booming population takes its toll on city's trains |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-s-booming-population-takes-its-toll-on-city-s-trains-20180330-p4z72b.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-23 |title=Melbourne's public transport patronage since 1947 |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2018/12/24/patronage-since-1947/ |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Daniel Bowen |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Clay Lucas, Timna |date=2019-06-10 |title=Big projects, bigger bills: Massive construction boom comes at a cost |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/big-projects-bigger-bills-massive-construction-boom-comes-at-a-cost-20190610-p51w5d.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> According to the 2018 Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel & Activity, Melbourne's public transport accounted for 8.5% of all trips within Greater Melbourne and [[Geelong]], with 19% of journeys to work within Melbourne occurring on public transport across the three main modes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=VISTA, Department of Transport |date=2018 |title=Victorian Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity |url=https://discover.data.vic.gov.au/dataset/victorian-integrated-survey-of-travel-and-activity}}</ref>

===Bus===
[[File:Ventura bus 1463, based in Lilydale, Melbourne.jpg|thumb|A Ventura bus operating route 670 in Melbourne's Eastern suburbs.]]
{{Main|Buses in Melbourne}}
{{See also|List of Melbourne bus routes|List of bus operating companies#Victoria}}
The bus network consists of about 50 bus companies under a [[franchise agreement]] with the state Government. Approximately 300 routes are in operation, including twenty-one [[Night Network (Melbourne)|night bus]] routes that operate on Friday and Saturday nights. Bus patronage is low compared to similar cities around Australia, which some experts have attributed to the presence of the tram network servicing many trips that would normally be taken by bus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Melbourne buses: How do other cities compare? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-16/melbourne-buses-how-do-other-cities-do-bus-transit/8276628 |access-date=19 October 2018 |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=16 February 2017}}</ref> Several '[[SmartBus]]' routes were introduced in the late 2000s in an attempt to improve parts of the system with improved bus priority and frequencies and span of service hours better than most other bus routes at the time. Despite its success at significantly increasing bus patronage, the service has not been expanded and some bus lanes were removed.<ref>{{cite news |title=SmartBus branding may be scrapped in Transdev shake-up |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/smartbus-branding-may-be-scrapped-in-transdev-shakeup/news-story/0fb7731c84ce8790d228331668b0c299 |access-date=19 October 2018 |agency=Manningham Leader |date=11 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Northern Roads Upgrade |url=https://roadprojects.vic.gov.au/projects/suburban-roads-upgrade/northern-roads-upgrade |publisher=Major Road Projects Authority |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bus lane removal short-sighted |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/2011/03/29/stud-rd-bus-lane/ |publisher=Public Transport Users Association |access-date=19 October 2018 |date=10 April 2011}}</ref>

Although all Melbourne buses use the [[myki]] ticketing system, the [[SkyBus (airport bus)|SkyBus]] between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross railway station is a non-myki bus service. Several local government councils also operate free community bus services in their local areas including [[City of Port Phillip|Port Phillip]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Free Community Bus |url=http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/community_bus.htm |publisher=Port Phillip City Council |access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref> [[Shire of Nillumbik|Nillumbik]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Saturday Community Bus |url=http://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Living-in/Transport/Saturday-Community-Bus |publisher=Nillumbik City Council |access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref> and
[[City of Darebin|Darebin]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Darebin Council Community Transport: "Door-to-Door" |url=http://www.darebin.org/Directory/Agency.aspx?MKey=5688&S3Key=796 |publisher=Darebin City Council |access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref>

===Tram===
[[File:D1.3528 flinders, 2014.JPG|thumb|alt=Green-and-white tram|[[D-class Melbourne tram|D1-class]] tram operated by [[Yarra Trams]]]]{{Main|Trams in Melbourne}}
{{See also|List of Melbourne tram routes|Yarra Trams}}

Melbourne has the world's largest tram network, consisting of {{convert|250|km||abbr=}} of double track, nearly 500 trams on 24 routes, and 1,763 [[tram stop]]s. It is operated by [[Yarra Trams]]. Two partial [[light rail]] routes are also part of the network. Most of the remaining track is mixed with vehicle traffic, which makes it one of the slowest tram networks in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clure |first1=Elias |title=Melbourne's trams among slowest in the world |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-19/melbourne-trams-among-slowest-in-the-world/8541228 |access-date=19 October 2018 |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 May 2017}}</ref> Trams operate mostly in the inner suburbs and generally provide for short to medium-length trips. Trams are free to ride within the [[Melbourne central business district|central business district]]. Heritage trams operate on the free [[City Circle tram|City Circle route]] around the CBD.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Circle Tram |url=https://yarratrams.com.au/using-trams/visitors-new-users/city-circle-tram/ |publisher=Yarra Trams |access-date=19 October 2018}}</ref>

===Metropolitan rail===
[[File:Metro-liveried-XTrapolis-train-863M.jpg|thumb|alt=Long blue-and-white train|[[X'Trapolis 100]] train, operated by Metro Trains Melbourne]]{{Main|Railways in Melbourne}}
{{See also|List of Melbourne railway stations|Metro Trains Melbourne}}

Melbourne has a 16 line urban heavy rail network operated by [[Metro Trains Melbourne]] and serviced by a fleet of 326 [[Electric multiple unit|EMU]] trains. With the exception of the [[Stony Point railway line|Stony Point line]], the entire urban rail network is [[Railway electrification|electrified]]. The metropolitan network is considered to be a hybrid [[commuter rail|commuter]] and [[rapid transit]] system, serving both the inner city and outer commuter suburbs with high frequencies in peak periods but lower frequencies at other times.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lucas |first1=Clay |title=Melbourne trains fail world 'metro' test |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/melbourne-trains-fail-world-metro-test-20100402-rjuu.html |access-date=19 October 2018 |agency=The Age |date=3 April 2010}}</ref> [[Flinders Street railway station]] is the city's main metropolitan station while [[Southern Cross railway station]] is the main interchange station for regional and interstate railway services.

===Regional rail===
[[File:Wyndham Vale Railway Station.jpg|thumb|alt=Silver, purple and yellow three-carriage train waiting at a railway station.|A [[V/Line VLocity]] diesel train at [[Wyndham Vale railway station]] in PTV livery.]]
{{Main|Rail transport in Victoria}}{{See also|V/Line}}
Melbourne is the centre of a statewide railway network consisting of lines used for freight and passenger service. Intrastate passenger services are operated by the government-owned [[V/Line]] corporation, with a fleet of [[locomotive]]-hauled trains and [[diesel multiple unit]]s. Seven passenger railway lines connect Melbourne to towns and cities in Victoria. Portions of lines which are part of the V/Line network and cover the metropolitan area are also covered by myki tickets.

The city is also connected to [[Central railway station, Sydney|Sydney]] by the [[NSW TrainLink]] [[New South Wales XPT|XPT]], and to [[Adelaide railway station|Adelaide]] by [[Great Southern Rail (Australia)|Great Southern Rail's]] ''[[The Overland]]''.

==={{anchor|Public Transport Pricing}}Fares===
Melbourne has a fully integrated ticketing system across all modes of public transport in the metropolitan area through the [[Myki]] contactless smart card system. This requires passengers to touch the card to a reader at each entry and exit point.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/touching-on-and-off |title=Touching on and off – Public Transport Victoria |website=ptv.vic.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503040312/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/touching-on-and-off/ |archive-date=2013-05-03}}</ref> Myki's rollout began on 29 December 2009 on the rail network. It was then progressively rolled out to trams, buses and regional rail. It completely replaced the old [[magnetic stripe card]] [[Metcard]] system on 30 June 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Refunds and replacements|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-and-replacements/|publisher=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=2013-07-02}}</ref>

Melbourne's public-transport system is divided into two zones, in addition to the free tram zone in the central business district and some surrounding areas. Myki has two forms of tickets: myki money (in which money is loaded on a myki and the system selects the "best fare") and the myki-pass, where commuters pre-purchase tickets (or passes).

==Rail freight==
[[File:Melbourne-steel-terminal.jpg|thumb|alt=Orange freight train|[[Pacific National]] locomotive at the Melbourne Steel Terminal, June 2006]]
{{Main|Freight railways in Melbourne}}
The [[Port of Melbourne]] is Australia's largest container and general cargo port, handling 33 percent of Australia's container trade.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/1b374a6d8cae09e9ca2571cb0003c23a!OpenDocument |title = DoI media release – 'GOVERNMENT OUTLINES VISION FOR PORT OF MELBOURNE FREIGHT HUB' – 14 August 2006
 |access-date  = 26 July 2007
 |url-status     = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070917095230/http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/1b374a6d8cae09e9ca2571cb0003c23a!OpenDocument |archive-date = 17 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |title=A bridge too far: warning bigger ships won't be able to reach Port of Melbourne |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/a-bridge-too-far-warning-bigger-ships-wont-be-able-to-reach-port-of-melbourne-20171107-gzgjri.html |access-date=24 October 2018 |agency=The Age |date=10 November 2017}}</ref> Shipping lines operate to about 300 cities around the world, and 3,200 ships visit the port each year. The port is in Melbourne's inner west, near the junction of the [[Maribyrnong River|Maribyrnong]] and [[Yarra River]]s.

[[File:Melbourne--swanston-dock-container-crane.jpg|thumb|alt=See caption|Container crane and ship at Swanson Dock East]]
Melbourne has an extensive network of railway lines and yards to serve freight traffic. The lines have two gauges – {{RailGauge|5ft3in}} [[Victorian broad gauge|broad gauge]] and {{RailGauge|ussg}} [[standard gauge]] – and are not electrified. Freight trains have their own lines in the city's inner western suburbs, but in other areas trains are required to share the tracks with [[Metro Trains Melbourne]] and [[V/Line]] passenger service. Most freight terminals are in the inner suburbs near the port between Melbourne's central business district and [[Footscray, Victoria|Footscray]]. A number of suburban stations had their own [[rail yard|goods yards]], with freight trains running on the suburban network until the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.railfutures.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/160609-Rail-Futures-Freight-Paper-FINAL.pdf|title=Getting freight back on track in Victoria|publisher=Rail Futures Institute|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref>

==Airports==
[[File:Melbourne airport control tower and united B747.jpg|thumb|alt=A plane taking off, with a control tower in the foreground|Melbourne Airport]]
[[Melbourne Airport]], located in the north-western suburb of [[Tullamarine]], is Australia's second-busiest airport. It serves over 30 airlines and 22 million international and domestic passengers annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/facts_figures/statistics.asp |title=Melbourne Airport – Statistics |access-date=26 July 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070705185415/http://www.melbourneairport.com.au/about_airport/facts_figures/statistics.asp |archive-date=5 July 2007 }}</ref> The airport is a hub for passenger airlines [[Qantas]], [[Jetstar]] and [[Virgin Australia]], and cargo airlines [[Qantas Freight]] and [[Toll Group#Global Express|Toll Priority]].

Melbourne's second major passenger airport, [[Avalon Airport]] (Melbourne Avalon), is south-west of the city and north-east of [[Geelong]]. Avalon Airport, primarily used by Jetstar, operates flights to Brisbane, Sydney and Perth. [[AirAsia X]] began low-cost flights from Avalon to [[Kuala Lumpur]] in December 2018, giving Melbourne a second international airport (unique among Australia's capital cities).

The city's first major airport, [[Essendon Airport]], is no longer used for scheduled international flights. Although a small number of [[regional airline]]s operate from there, it is primarily used for [[general aviation]] and is also home to Victoria's [[Air medical services|air ambulance]].

[[Moorabbin Airport]], south of Melbourne, is primarily used for recreational flying and flying lessons. It has some regional-airline service, notably to [[King Island (Tasmania)|King Island, Tasmania]]. Moorabbin is a [[Airspace class#Australia|Class D]] airport, and its [[ICAO airport code]] is YMMB.
[[RAAF Williams|RAAF Williams, Point Cook]], where the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] originated, is located near Melbourne's south-western limits.

=={{anchor|Road transport}}Roads==
{{See also|Roads in Victoria|Road infrastructure in Melbourne|Freeways in Australia|List of road routes in Victoria (numeric)}}
[[File:Eastern Freeway Belford St.jpg|thumb|alt=Divided eight-lane highway|The Eastern Freeway, looking towards Melbourne]]
Melbourne is one of the world's most car-dependent cities, with 74 percent of all trips to and from work or education being done by car.<ref>{{cite web |title=More than two in three drive to work, Census reveals |url=http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyReleaseDate/7DD5DC715B608612CA2581BF001F8404?OpenDocument |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |access-date=16 October 2018 |date=23 October 2017}}</ref> Its freeway network is the largest in Australia,<ref name="ptua.org.au"/> with an extensive grid of arterial roads dating back to Melbourne's initial surveying. The city's total road length is {{convert|21381|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eoc.csiro.au/lb/lbbook/urban/yb2.htm |title=Urban Australia: Where most of us live |publisher=Eoc.csiro.au |access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref>

The freeway network began with the [[1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan]], which included a grid of freeways which would cover the metropolitan area. The plans were reviewed four years later and many inner-city projects were cancelled. Freeways built during the 1960s and 1970s include the [[Monash Freeway|South Eastern Arterial]] (now part of the Monash Freeway), the [[Tullamarine Freeway]], the [[West Gate Freeway|Lower Yarra Freeway]] (now the West Gate Freeway) and the [[Eastern Freeway (Melbourne)|Eastern Freeway]].

Expansion took place over the next thirty years, with the Monash Freeway, [[CityLink]] and the [[Western Ring Road, Melbourne|Western Ring Road]] all being constructed during this time. The period also saw freeway expansion into the suburbs with the [[Mornington Peninsula Freeway]], an extension of the Eastern Freeway and the [[South Gippsland Freeway]]. In 2008, the [[EastLink (Melbourne)|EastLink]] toll freeway opened and existing freeways were further extended.

Despite government figures indicating slowed growth in road travel since 2006 (zero growth in 2008–09)<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/hard-times-just-the-ticket-for-public-transport-20090316-8zwe.html | location=Melbourne, Australia |work=The Age | title=Hard times just the ticket for public transport | first=Clay | last=Lucas | date=17 March 2009}}</ref> and the government's goal to reduce road use to 80 percent of all motorised trips, the State Government have announced several large-scale road infrastructure investments to complete many projects from the original 1969 Plan, including [[Peninsula Link]], [[East West Link, Melbourne|East West Link]] and [[North East Link]]). This road construction has continued to increase the use of cars and direct investment away from other transport projects.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Butt |first1=Craig |title=Cars continue to rule Melbourne roads, census shows |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/cars-continue-to-rule-melbourne-roads-census-shows-20171023-gz6djx.html |access-date=16 October 2018 |agency=The Age |date=24 October 2017}}</ref>

=={{anchor|Bicycle}}Bicycles==
[[File:B2-class tram -2011 running route 64 to Melbourne University and bike riders on Swanston Street at Bourke Street Mall tram stop, Melbourne (50591884636).jpg|alt=Cyclists and a tram on Swanston Street in Melbourne|thumb|Cyclists next to a tram on [[Swanston Street]] in the Melbourne CBD]]
{{Main|Cycling in Melbourne}}
Despite having a moderate climate and relatively flat landscape, only 1.7% of trips are made by bike in Melbourne.<ref name="bae">{{cite journal |last1=Pearson |first1=Lauren |last2=Gabbe |first2=Belinda |last3=Reeder |first3=Sandra |last4=Beck |first4=Ben |date=January 2023 |title=Barriers and enablers of bike riding for transport and recreational purposes in Australia |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140522002109 |journal=Journal of Transport & Health |volume=28 |doi=10.1016/j.jth.2022.101538 |access-date=10 November 2023|url-access=subscription }}</ref>  Melbourne has an extensive network of bicycle paths and bike lanes, which are used for recreation and commuting. Five of Australia's top 10 suburbs for bicycle mode share for journeys to work are located in Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top 10 suburbs for bike commuters |url=https://www.facebook.com/absstats/posts/2053806654680663?__tn__=-R  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/142734575787890/2053806654680663 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|website=Facebook |publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics |access-date=24 October 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> A series of major off-road paths shared with pedestrians caters for bike riders in the inner suburbs, but infrastructure tends to be less extensive further away into surrounding suburbs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pojani |first1=Dorina |last2=Butterworth |first2=Elizabeth |last3=Cooper |first3=Jim |last4=Corcoran |first4=Jonathan |last5=Sipe |first5=Neil |title=Australian cities are far from being meccas for walking and cycling |url=https://theconversation.com/australian-cities-are-far-from-being-meccas-for-walking-and-cycling-87331 |access-date=24 October 2018 |agency=The Conversation |date=5 February 2018}}</ref> In 2020, the City of Melbourne Council sought to add 40&nbsp;km of new protected cycling lanes for the inner-city as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fast-tracking 40 kilometres of new bike lanes in Melbourne – City of Melbourne |url=http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/Pages/Fast-tracking-40-kilometres-of-new-bike-lanes-in-Melbourne.aspx |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=www.melbourne.vic.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref>

Inner Melbourne currently has a dock-less [[Electric bicycle|e-bike]] and [[Motorized scooter|e-scooter]] sharing program provided by private company [[Lime (transportation company)|Lime]], and an e-scooter sharing program provided by Neuron.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Lessons have been learned": Fourth time lucky for bike share? |url=https://www.cbdnews.com.au/lessons-have-been-learned-fourth-time-lucky-for-bike-share |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=www.cbdnews.com.au |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Council powers ahead with Lime and Neuron e-scooter trial - City of Melbourne |url=http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/news-and-media/Pages/Council-powers-ahead-with-Lime-and-Neuron-Mobility-e-scooter-trial.aspx |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=www.melbourne.vic.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref> 

Melbourne previously had a government-owned [[bicycle-sharing system]] called [[Melbourne Bike Share]] that ran from 2010 to 2019 and was ended due to low ridership.<ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/share-scheme-out-of-the-blocks-for-city-cyclists-20100531-wrcy.html Clay Lucas: ''Share scheme out of the blocks for city cyclists''] in [[The Age]] 1 June 2010. Retrieved 13 July 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/environment/articles/2010/06/02//2916509.htm ABC: Melbourne bike share not a sure thing]. Retrieved 7 June 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Koob |first=Simone Fox |date=2019-08-30 |title=Goodbye blue bikes: Melbourne's bike share scheme canned |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/goodbye-blue-bikes-melbourne-s-bike-share-scheme-canned-20190830-p52m9e.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> Singaporean bike-sharing company [[oBike]] briefly entered the Melbourne market in mid-2017, but abandoned its program in 2018 following extensive complaints and issues with its business practices.<ref>[https://www.theweeklyreview.com.au/live/oBikes-brings-dockless-bicycle-sharing-to-melbourne/ The Weekly Review: oBikes brings dockless bicycle sharing to Melbourne]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.o.bike/au/about.html |title=oBike: About |access-date=11 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911204341/https://www.o.bike/au/about.html |archive-date=11 September 2017 |url-status=unfit }}</ref><ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/are-you-curious-orange-when-it-comes-to-shared-cycling-oBike-is-the-new-blue-20170608-gwmz3u.html The Age: When it comes to bike sharing, yellow is the new blue]</ref><ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-17/oBike-responds-to-criticism-of-bike-sharing-scheme/8813574 ABC: oBike says bicycles found up trees and in river are 'teething issue' for sharing scheme]</ref><ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/illegally-dumped-rubbish-council-removes-oBikes-blocking-melbourne-footpaths-20170901-gy96f7.html The Age: 'Illegally dumped rubbish': Council removes oBikes blocking Melbourne footpaths]</ref>

=={{anchor|Taxi}}Taxis==
[[File:2012 Toyota Camry (ASV50R) Altise sedan, Black Cabs taxi (2016-01-04).jpg|thumb|alt=Yellow Toyota taxi|A Melbourne taxi]]
{{Main|Taxicabs of Australia#Victoria|Transport Legislation Amendment (Taxi Services Reform and Other Matters) Act 2011}}
Taxis in Melbourne have since 1 July 2013 been regulated by the [[Taxi Services Commission]], which began operation on 19 July. The [[Taxi Industry Inquiry]] resulted in major reforms to Victoria's taxi industry, significantly impacting taxi service in Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/doi/internet/vehicles.nsf/AllDocs/712BF0EEC0458993CA256F320020A3FB?OpenDocument |title=Taxis and hire vehicles – Structure of the taxi industry |publisher=Doi.vic.gov.au |access-date=11 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090526052912/http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/doi/internet/vehicles.nsf/AllDocs/712BF0EEC0458993CA256F320020A3FB?OpenDocument |archive-date=26 May 2009}}</ref> Taxis were required to be painted canary yellow until this requirement was abolished in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title=Melbourne's yellow taxis get a makeover to increase competition |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-10/melbournes-yellow-taxis-make-way-for-colourful-new-fleet/4947452 |access-date=16 October 2018 |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=10 September 2013}}</ref> Melbourne has 4,660 licensed, metered taxis, including 443 wheelchair-accessible cabs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://taxi.vic.gov.au/about-us/overview/industry-statistics|title=About Us|work=Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria|access-date=24 July 2018}}</ref>

[[Vehicle for hire]] companies such as [[Uber]], [[DiDi]], [[Shofer]], [[Taxify]], [[GoCatch]], [[Shebah]],<ref>[http://shebah.com.au shebah.com.au]</ref> and [[Ola Cabs]], also operate in Melbourne.<ref name="Fells2016Age">{{cite web |last=Fels |first=Allan |author-link=Allan Fels |date=17 July 2016 |url=http://www.theage.com.au/comment/ridesharing-needs-the-right-set-of-rules-to-support-its-growth-20160713-gq4t55.html |title=Ride-sharing needs the right set of rules to support its growth |work=[[The Age]] |access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref>

=={{anchor|Ferry}}Ferries==
[[Public Transport Victoria]] oversees three ferry services in Victoria:<ref>{{cite web|title=Ferries|url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/ferries/|website=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=14 September 2014}}</ref> the [[Westgate Punt]] (between [[Spotswood, Victoria|Spotswood]] and [[Fishermans Bend, Victoria|Fishermans Bend]]), [[Western Port Ferries|Western Port Ferry]], which operates between the [[Stony Point railway station]], [[French Island (Victoria)|French Island]] and [[Cowes, Victoria|Cowes]] on [[Phillip Island]] and [[Port Phillip Ferries]] which operates between [[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands]], [[Geelong]] and [[Portarlington, Victoria|Portarlington]].

{{Table alignment}}
{| class="defaultcenter" style="width: 100%;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| {{Routemap
| title = Port Phillip Ferry
| float = none
| title-bg = #00a799
| title color= white
|map=
{{small|h:mm}}! !
0:00! !\\KBHFa teal~~ ~~[[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands]]
\\LSTR teal~~ ~~''[[Port Phillip|Port Phillip Bay]]''
\\kABZg3 teal~~ ~~
1:50! !KBHFaq teal\kSTR2+r teal!~kSTRr+1 teal\STR teal!~kSTRc3 teal!~kSTRc4 teal~~ ~~[[Geelong Waterfront]]
\\kABZg+4 teal~~ ~~
1:10! !\\KBHFe teal~~ ~~[[Portarlington, Victoria|Portarlington]] Pier
|bottom = {{center|''Most ferries between<br>Geelong & Docklands<br>operate via Portarlington''}}
}}
| {{Routemap
| title = Western Port Ferry
| float = none
| title-bg = #00a799
| title color= white
|map=
{{small|h:mm}}! !
0:00! !KBHFa teal\\~~ ~~[[Stony Point railway station|Stony Point]] Jetty~~{{rint|victoria|metro|link=Stony Point railway station}}
kSTR2 teal\\~~ ~~
0:20! !kSTRc1 teal!~kSTRc2 teal\kSTR3+l teal!~kSTRl+4 teal\KBHFeq teal~~ ~~Tankerton Jetty, [[French Island (Victoria)|French Island]]
kSTR+1 teal\\~~ ~~
LSTR teal\\~~ ~~''[[Western Port|Western Port Bay]]''
0:45! !KBHFe teal\\~~ ~~[[Cowes, Victoria|Cowes]] Jetty, [[Phillip Island]]
}}
| {{Routemap
| title = Westgate Punt
| float = none
| title-bg = #00a799
| title color= white
|map=
{{small|h:mm}}! !
0:00! !KBHFa teal~~ ~~[[Spotswood, Victoria|Spotswood]] Jetty
LSTR teal~~ ~~''[[Yarra River]]''
~0:10! !KBHFe teal~~ ~~Westgate Landing~~{{rint|victoria|met bus|alt=Route 237}}
}}
|}

[[Cruise ship]]s and ferries (including the [[Spirit of Tasmania]], which crosses [[Bass Strait]] to [[Tasmania]]) dock at [[Station Pier]] on [[Port Phillip]] Bay. Privately run ferries and other vessels also travel from Southbank along the [[Yarra River]], to Williamstown, and across Port Phillip Bay.

=={{anchor|Legislation and governance}}Legislation and regulation==
==={{anchor|Recent organisational changes}}Transport Integration Act===
The main transport statute in Victoria is the [[Transport Integration Act 2010]], which establishes and sets the charters of the state agencies charged with providing transport and managing the state's transport system. The [[Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources]] is responsible for the integration and coordination of Victoria's transport system. However, other departments and agencies also have a coordination and implementation role in transport. Other key state agencies are:
* [[Transport for Victoria]]
* [[Public Transport Victoria]]
* [[VicRoads]]
* [[V/Line]]
* [[VicTrack]]

===Governing bodies===
There are several agencies and organisations tasked with coordinating and delivering transport in Victoria. Many fall within the purview of Transport for Victoria, but others are run from other departments or are independent government organisations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Governance |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/about/governance |publisher=Transport for Victoria |access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref>

===={{anchor|Public Transport Development Authority}}Public Transport Victoria====
In 2010, the state government resolved to create a new independent agency to coordinate and oversee all aspects of the state's public transport.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vic.liberal.org.au/webData/policies/101114%20Baillieu%20-%20COALITION%20TO%20REBUILD%20THE%20BASICS%20OF%20VIC%20PUBLIC%20TRANSPORT%20NETWORK.pdf |title=Date|access-date=23 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807164712/http://vic.liberal.org.au/webData/policies/101114%20Baillieu%20-%20COALITION%20TO%20REBUILD%20THE%20BASICS%20OF%20VIC%20PUBLIC%20TRANSPORT%20NETWORK.pdf |archive-date=7 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-election-2010/baillieu-revives-airport-rail-link-20101114-17spg.html | location=Melbourne, Australia |work=The Age | first=Clay | last=Lucas | title=Baillieu revives airport rail link | date=15 November 2010}}</ref>
According to the government, the authority would plan, co-ordinate, manage and administer metropolitan trams and metropolitan and regional buses and trains, replacing the previous structure of multiple agencies. The authority was established in late 2011,<ref>See the Transport Legislation Amendment (Public Transport Development Authority) Act 2011.</ref> and was expected to be fully operational by mid-2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/hoddle-street-expressway-plan-ditched/story-e6frf7kx-1226025624916 |title=Hoddle Street expressway plan ditched |work=Herald Sun |location=Australia | publisher = News |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref> [[Public Transport Victoria]] assumed the rail, tram and bus responsibilities of the former [[Director of Public Transport]] and the activities of the [[Transport Ticketing Authority]] and MetLink, which were abolished.

====Transport for Victoria====
In 2016, the state government established a new coordinating agency for transport in the state. It serves as an umbrella agency, overseeing the activities of several other transport organisations and agencies across multiple modes of transport. This includes VicRoads, Public Transport Victoria and V/Line. The agency was established in 2017 and operates under the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Simpler, More Coordinated Transport System For Victoria |url=https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/a-simpler-more-coordinated-transport-system-for-victoria/ |publisher=Premier of Victoria |access-date=24 October 2018 |date=27 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carey |first1=Adam |title=Like dominoes, one part of train system falls over and everything collapses |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/like-dominoes-one-part-of-train-system-falls-over-and-everything-collapses-20161214-gtb6dj.html |access-date=24 October 2018 |agency=The Age |date=14 December 2016}}</ref>

====Taxi Services Commission====
The government announced a [[Taxi Industry Inquiry]] and the establishment of a [[Taxi Services Commission]] (TSC) in early 2011.<ref>Premier of Victoria, media release, 28 March 2011.</ref> The inquiry, headed by [[Allan Fels]], was conducted by the TSC. The government introduced the [[Transport Legislation Amendment (Taxi Services Reform and Other Matters) Act 2011]], which was enacted in late June 2011 to empower the inquiry. The TSC, established on 19 July 2011, became the state's taxi and hire-car regulator on 1 July 2013.

====Port of Hastings Development Authority====
The government reversed the late-2010 merger of the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PMC) and the Port of Hastings Corporation by establishing the new [[Port of Hastings Development Authority]] to oversee development of a new port in [[Hastings, Victoria|Hastings]].<ref>Dr Denis Napthine, Minister for Ports, press release, "Big Plans for Port of Hastings", 30 March 2011.</ref> The Transport Legislation Amendment (Port of Hastings Development Authority) Bill 2011 was passed by the [[Parliament of Victoria]] in late 2011, and the authority began operations on 1 January 2012.

==={{anchor|Rail Safety|Bus and marine safetySafety regulator|Safety investigations}}Safety regulation and investigation===
The safety of rail operations in Melbourne is regulated by the 2006 [[Rail Safety Act]], which applies to commercial passenger and freight operations and tourist and heritage railways.<ref>Official copy of the [[Rail Safety Act]] from the Victorian Government legislation web site – http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt3.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/6D4190C62DE6207FCA257761002C568A/$FILE/06-9a016.pdf</ref> The act created a framework of safety requirements for all rail-industry participants, and requires rail operators who manage infrastructure and rolling stock to obtain accreditation before commencing operations. Accredited rail operators are required to have a [[Safety management systems|safety-management system]] to guide their operations. [[Sanctions (law)|Sanctions]] for violations of the safety requirements established by the Rail Safety Act are outlined in the [[Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983]].<ref>See Part 7 of the act. Official copy of the [[Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983]] from the official Victorian Government legislation site – http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt5.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/7BB774D3E0245B77CA2577CE00030B90/$FILE/83-9921a153.pdf</ref>

Safety regulation of the bus and marine sectors is overseen by the [[Director, Transport Safety]] under the 2009 [[Bus Safety Act]] and the Marine Act 1988, respectively. The sectors are subject to a no-fault safety-investigation plan conducted by the [[Chief Investigator, Transport Safety]]. The safety [[regulatory agency|regulator]] for Melbourne's rail, bus and marine systems is Transport Safety Victoria, established under the [[Transport Integration Act 2010]].

Rail, bus and marine operators in Victoria can be subjected to no-fault investigations by the Chief Investigator, Transport Safety or the [[Australian Transport Safety Bureau]] (ATSB). The chief investigator is charged by Part 7 of the [[Transport Integration Act 2010]] with investigating rail, bus and marine safety matters, including incidents. The ATSB has jurisdiction over rail matters (on a designated interstate rail network), marine matters (if the ship(s) is under Australian or [[Australian Maritime Safety Authority|AMSA]] regulation) and bus-safety matters (by invitation of a jurisdiction).

===Ticketing and conduct requirements===
Ticketing requirements for rail, tram and bus service in Victoria are primarily contained in Transport (Ticketing) Regulations 2006<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt5.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/C6D777772BB02CD3CA2577A5007CB77B/$FILE/06-86sr004.pdf |title=Transport (Ticketing) Regulations 2006|access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref> and the Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual.<ref>{{cite web |author=Your guide to public transport in Melbourne and Victoria |url=http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares-tickets/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual |title=Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual – Metlink – Your guide to public transport in Melbourne and Victoria |publisher=Metlinkmelbourne.com.au |access-date=23 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514122346/http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares-tickets/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual/ |archive-date=14 May 2011}}</ref> Rules about safe and fair behaviour on trains and trams in Victoria are generally contained in the [[Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubLawToday.nsf/a12f6f60fbd56800ca256de500201e54/6ff43affd338ea35ca2577c60082b59c!OpenDocument |title=Victorian Law Today Act |publisher=Legislation.vic.gov.au |access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref> and Transport (Conduct) Regulations 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/PubLawToday.nsf/b12e276826f7c27fca256de50022686b/2e01dcbed2e5778cca2574e20017da2c!OpenDocument |title=Victorian Law Today Statutory Rule |publisher=Legislation.vic.gov.au |access-date=23 May 2011}}</ref> Conduct requirements for buses are set out in that act and Transport (Passenger Vehicles) Regulations 2005.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Australia|Transport}}
*[[Transportation in Australia]]

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{Citation |last=Davison |first=Graeme |year=2004 |title=Car Wars: How the Car Won Our Hearts and Conquered Our Cities |place=Sydney, Australia |publisher=Allen and Unwin |isbn=9781741142075}}
* {{Citation |last1=Dodson |first1=Jago |last2=Sipe |first2=Neil |date=December 2005 |title=Oil Vulnerability in the Australian City |place=Queensland, Australia |publisher=Urban Research Program, Griffith University |isbn=1-920952-50-0}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/ Victorian Department of Transport]
* [http://www.transportformelbourne.org/ Transport for Melbourne] – An advocacy alliance for improved public transport planning in Melbourne that publicly launched in 2016.

{{Melbourne}}
{{MelbourneTramNavbox}}
{{MelbournePublicTransport}}

[[Category:Transport in Melbourne| ]]
[[Category:Transport in Victoria (state)|*]]