Melbourne’s first dedicated busway is a step closer – with designs approved and a builder appointed for a new park and ride facility in Bulleen.
The new Bulleen Park & Ride will be a premium bus station along the future Eastern Freeway busway, with 370 car parks, making it easier for people to use the fast, frequent and reliable bus services to and from the city.
The buses that use the Eastern Freeway are already among the busiest in Melbourne, with 6 million passenger trips per year and a bus on average every minute in the peak. North East Link will allow buses to travel uninterrupted up to 100km/h along the dedicated busway cutting commute times by up to 30%.
Updated plans have been approved for the fast-tracked Bulleen facility – the first new infrastructure as part of the busway.
The park and ride will be located on the east side of Thompsons Road and will double the number of car parking spaces for rapid freeway bus services.
It will include a 5000 square metre landscaped green roof, pick-up/drop-off parking bays, myki machines and toilets. Active transport is a key focus, with Parkiteer cycling cages and walking and cycling paths connecting with Koonung Creek Trail and Thompsons Road.
Based on community feedback, the updated design includes better privacy and screening along Kampman Street and additional facilities to make even better use of the green roof, including a bicycle repair station and more bench seating.
With site set-up to kick off soon and construction beginning mid-year, Bulleen Park & Ride will be open 4 years earlier than planned, ready for people to use before Doncaster Park & Ride is closed for upgrades.
Bulleen Park & Ride will be completed in late 2022, with North East Link and the dedicated busway opening in late 2027.
Find out more about Bulleen Park & Ride.