State government’s latest bid to get more Melburnians on buses

Melbourne’s least favourite form of public transport, is in for its biggest ever shakeup.

In a bid to get more people on buses, the state government is set to tear up contracts with family owned businesses that have been in place for decades.

The Age reports 12 of the 13 contracts will be open to competition for the first time since the mid-1970s, when they expire next year.

The Andrews Government says the current contracts made it difficult to change bus routes and timetables.

It hopes the overhaul will reverse declining passenger numbers by creating a better and more popular bus network. 

RELATED: John Burns pens a love letter to Melbourne buses.

Daniel Bowen, from the Public Transport Users Association spoke with Ross and John.

‘The bus routes have developed over time but in some ways they’re still stuck a few decades ago,’ Mr Bowen told 3AW Breakfast.

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