Connecting Melbourne’s north: residents have their say

More than 150 residents and business owners from across Melbourne's north recently shared their experiences through our Connecting Melbourne’s north project, highlighting the transport challenges many face each day.

Respondents raised concerns about overcrowded public transport, worsening road congestion, long commute times and limited transport options, particularly in our fast-growing communities. Many said these challenges are affecting family life, access to opportunities and quality of life.

For some, long commutes mean less time with loved ones.

As SH explained, "I used to be able to get home in time to take my children to their sporting commitments. That’s no longer the case."

Others highlighted how a lack of local transport infrastructure limits access to work and services. "Without a train station in Beveridge, I have to drive several kilometres just to catch a train," said NM.

A common theme throughout the survey was the feeling that population growth is outpacing infrastructure investment. Many said they would prefer to use public transport more often but feel forced to drive because services are too infrequent or unreliable. As JE noted, "People in the northern suburbs deserve safe, reliable transport just like anywhere else in Melbourne."

We are using these insights to shape our advocacy ahead of the upcoming state election. By sharing residents' experiences directly with decision-makers, our goal is to keep the transport and infrastructure needs of Melbourne's north on the agenda as governments plan for our region’s future.

You can still tell us your stories - simply head to our website and share your experience with us: Have your say | Connect Melbourne's North

Resident voices

Lived experiences from residents across Melbourne’s north, presented in their own words.

Banyule

“Public transport is very limited from my residence. It is a 2 km walk to the closest train station, or a 1.6 km walk to the closest bus stop. This means I have to add approximately 30 minutes in each direction to any commute I make via public transport, or drive and park at the station which isn’t always easy as finding available parking can be difficult.” HB

“I regularly take the 513 or 901 bus to connect with the train on the Hurstbridge line at Rosanna or Greensborough. There is often poor alignment between the bus and train timetables, which makes transferring between services difficult. It would help if bus timetables were better coordinated with train arrivals and departures at major station hubs, particularly during peak hours.” LG

Darebin

“I primarily ride my bike to work. Cycling infrastructure in my area is very poor. Most of my commute involves unprotected on-road cycling and I have to navigate congested and dangerous intersections. When I travel into the city the tram is slow, with road design prioritising drivers over public transport users. Separated cycling lanes and redesigned intersections would significantly improve safety and efficiency.” AM

“We have no choice but to drive everywhere. A 10-minute drive to local shops becomes a 25-minute walk to reach an unreliable bus. Reservoir Station is a 45-minute walk from our area despite being only 5 minutes by car, and there are no buses that go there. Traffic is aggressive and there are no bike lanes, so alternatives feel unsafe. It’s a lovely area, but realistically a car is the only way to get around if you have time constraints.” CS

Hume

“I live in Mickleham and commute to the CBD, relying on public transport during peak hours. The V/Line service from Donnybrook only runs once an hour, so if you miss a train you lose an entire hour. Congestion near the Hume Freeway makes getting to the station unreliable, and travelling via Craigieburn takes close to 2 hours each way. A 2-hour commute from a growing area like Mickleham is ridiculous and unsustainable” AK

“My commute from Greenvale to Broadmeadows should take around 13 minutes, but during peak it can stretch to 45 minutes, an hour or even 1.5 hours. All traffic is forced onto Mickleham Road and Somerton Road, which simply can’t cope. With no train line servicing the area and limited road capacity, congestion is unavoidable and getting worse.” KK

Merri-bek

“I live in Coburg North and rely on the Upfield line to get to work. My commute already takes about 1.5 hours with multiple connections. When trains are delayed, cancelled or start at Batman, which happens often, I miss connections and arrive late. As a disability support worker this affects the people I support. To avoid this I often take Ubers, costing $300 to $400 a month. That’s a huge financial and emotional burden.” MA

“I live within walking distance of Jacana Station and it's absolutely terrible. After dark it's too scary to walk due to no lights, crime concerns and poor path conditions. When I take the train it’s packed, with people squeezed in and standing all the way home. The north is growing quickly but public transport isn’t keeping up. The buses near my house only go to Glenroy Station, which is pointless because it’s already close.” AD

Mitchell

“I have been commuting on the Seymour V/Line service for years and it has progressively declined. What used to be a 1-hour trip now takes longer, sometimes up to 2.5 hours. Trains are overcrowded and often delayed or cancelled. At the same time, road congestion has worsened significantly, with traffic banking up for kilometres on the Hume Highway. The system is not keeping up with population growth.” TS

“I rely on V/Line to travel to Melbourne but the trains have become so overloaded that people are standing in aisles and doorways, which feels unsafe. As someone living with health conditions, this makes travel extremely difficult. I have missed hospital appointments due to unreliable services and poor communication. The system is not meeting the needs of vulnerable passengers.” MD

Nillumbik

“As an advocate for active transport I see a strong need to improve east–west shared trail links, including the Maroondah Aqueduct Trail via the existing caretaker’s path between Yarra Glen and Research. Completing this connection would deliver the final link in the Greater Melbourne Ring Trail. Cycling across Melbourne is currently constrained by gaps in trail connectivity and projects like this would help address that. I also see the Eltham to Montmorency rail trail as a vital connection linking the Plenty River and Diamond Creek trails on a gentle and accessible route.” AB

“I live in Eltham and the drive to Eltham Clinic takes about 6 minutes. Because I don’t have a car, I have to walk 25 minutes to the nearest bus stop, take the bus for just 3 stops and then walk another 15 minutes to reach the clinic. The difference between driving somewhere and using public transport is actually quite shameful. Public transport should make it easier to get around, but in cases like this it barely justifies using it at all.” EJ

Whittlesea

“As a university student I rely heavily on public transport to travel to and from campus. What is usually a 30–40 minute drive can take between 90 minutes and 2 hours. I often wait up to 30 minutes for a bus and another 15 minutes for a tram and sometimes they don’t arrive at all. This is time that could be spent studying or working. During winter the experience is even worse, sitting outside in the rain or freezing wind. Because of this, I now drive more often and spend more money just to make sure I arrive on time.” LH

“I have lived in Craigieburn, Mickleham and Donnybrook for 12 years and have never experienced worse traffic than the bridge over the Hume Freeway. Traffic backs up constantly and I am always worried about being rear-ended by a truck, especially with my baby in the car. The train service has improved slightly but still needs more frequency and a safer way to cross tracks. People run under boom gates because they don’t want to miss trains. Traffic also makes the area feel isolating, with friends and family avoiding visiting during peak times.” CE