MEDIA RELEASE | 10 August 2026
Suburban councils are urging new Premier Ben Carroll to immediately saturate the Suburban Rail Loop corridor with high-frequency buses, reducing the urgency to construct the multi-billion-dollar project straight away.
The fate of the SRL has been a hot topic since Mr Carroll became Premier and removed it as a standalone ministerial responsibility.
When asked directly on ABC Radio whether he intended to slow down delivery of the Suburban Rail Loop to free-up funding for other projects, Premier Carrol said: “I want a more integrated approach to Victoria’s transport system.”
This desire for integration aligns with the Outer Melbourne Councils’ vision for public transport in the outer suburbs.
OMC wants new high-frequency bus services rolled out along the Suburban Rail Loop — including the north, west and east sections — well ahead of heavy-rail construction.
Frequent, turn-up-and-go services shadowing the SRL route will build public-transport habits and patronage along the future line, years before the first train.
The SRL bus expansion would be part of a wider package of suburban bus upgrades and new routes, as detailed in the OMC election platform ‘Completing Our Communities’.
Outer Melbourne Councils is an advocacy alliance comprising the municipalities of Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges. These LGAs form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne.
Attributable to OMC Chair, Cr Naomi Joiner:
“The SRL is a long-term project, but the need for better services is immediate and pressing.”
“We can bus the loop now, and lay the rail later — if the government of the day still wants to.”
“Most of the infrastructure required for more buses is already there, ready to go.”
“This is about delivering better public transport for people across outer Melbourne now, and for a fraction of the cost.”
“What are we waiting for?”
“Investing in rapid bus services will support new housing and business precincts today, and allow people to immediately reshape their travel habits.”