The integrated Department of Transport and Planning plans and operates transport in a way that matches the people and products that travel on it, focusing on the destination, rather than which mode we use.
Our integrated approach ensures we can:
- respond much faster – and give people the information they need – to make the best travel choices, especially around major network disruptions
- make better use of existing road and rail, shifting more journeys onto rail and prioritising public transport on roads
- respond much quicker to innovation and new transport technologies
- take a holistic view in planning for the future, to meet demand for more than 23 million journeys a day and a tripling of freight by 2050
- partner with others to address issues from safety to reducing environmental impacts.
We work closely with the Major Transport Infrastructure Authority, allowing us to meet the transport needs of Australia’s fastest-growing state and economy, while managing a record $80-billion investment in infrastructure through the Big Build.
We’re also bringing V/Line more directly into the centre of Victoria's public transport system, while improving oversight and delivery of regional public transport services. On 1 July 2021, V/Line transitioned to a statutory authority, with the CEO reporting to the Secretary of the Department of Transport (DoT).
And because transport is also about creating places, we’ve partnered with Development Victoria to ensure we are best placed to keep our communities connected.
On 1 January 2023, DoT was renamed the Department of Transport and Planning.
Victoria is growing and changing fast
Victoria’s population is growing fast, driving demand and powering the economy.
Victoria is facing a period of intense growth and change - with the state's population forecast to reach 11 million by 2056.
Growth is driving the government’s record $90-billion investment in strategic transport infrastructure to expand and modernise the network.
Major projects like Melbourne Metro, removing 50 dangerous and congested level crossings, the West Gate Tunnel and North East Link, as well as a $2.3 billion investment in 70 High Capacity Metro Trains will significantly boost network capacity, move more people and freight, improve passenger services and relieve congestion.
We are also working on new election commitments, including the removal of a further 25 level crossings, delivering the Western Rail Plan, undertaking additional regional road upgrades and delivering the Suburban Rail Loop.
An integrated approach to Victoria's transport system makes the best use of what we have now, plans for the future, and establishes a blueprint to take advantage of the opportunities.
As Victoria undergoes a generational shift in transport technologies, we'll be there to help manage the network and empower people in their transport choices.
Read about some of the ways we are planning for our transport future.
Planning to provide greater choice
An integrated approach to network challenges, like traffic congestion or inefficient public transport interchanges, can be met in ways that don't always involve large, disruptive and costly investments.
For example, encouraging mode shift or making it easier to change between modes by better coordinating timetables means we can make our existing roads and tracks perform better.
Similarly, increasing car or bike parking at train stations and supporting new technology can change how people choose to travel.
As we plan the next wave of improvements, we’re looking through a wider economic, social and sustainability lens to bring the broadest benefits to the most people and communities.
Modern trains, trams and buses to move more people more often
We’re transforming our public transport network with bigger and more modern train, tram and bus fleets to move more people and improve the passenger experience.
The single biggest train order in Victoria’s history is the 70 High Capacity Metro Trains.
This $2.4 billion investment is being backed by a further $1.1 billion on high-capacity signalling, or communication-based train control, a high-technology infrastructure revolution that will transform the operation of Melbourne’s rail network and support safer and more reliable service performance.
We’re delivering Made in Victoria for Victoria: Victorian Rolling Stock Strategy our plan to secure the future of Victoria’s critical train, tram and bus building industry, support thousands of local jobs, and prepare our network for growth.
The strategy is backed by a record investment pipeline of new train and tram orders and the Victorian Government’s requirement for 50 per cent minimum local content in new rolling stock contracts, giving local manufacturers greater certainty to plan.
From market reforms to new regulations, we’re redesigning services to make travel more flexible and frequent.
Better investment
To deliver the best outcome for people and the highest return on investment for the Victorian community, transport modes need to complement, not compete.
That's why we're focused on the whole network, rather than on just one transport mode.
For example, bus priority lanes can reduce road capacity for other vehicles.
However, an integrated solution that includes timetabling and traffic-light sequencing can produce a better outcome for all transport users.
We’re not only building new infrastructure. We’re also getting the best out of our existing networks by understanding how people and goods need to flow in a 24/7 world.