Implementation plans > Integrated Transport > Actions > Action 6

Action 6
Ensure integrated planning for metropolitan transport

Develop and implement a plan to increase public transport mode share to 20 per cent (20/2020)
Lead agent: DOI
Development of the 20/2020 Implementation Plan brings together a range of work to implement the transport objectives of Melbourne 2030 and Growing Victoria Together. The aim is to reduce car dependency and double public transport’s share of all motorised trips in Melbourne to 20 per cent by the year 2020 (20/2020).

The 20/2020 plan will tie together initiatives including the Bus, Tram and Train Plans, the TDM Action Plan, and subregional integrated transport strategies (ITS).

Public transport improvements will take us about halfway towards the 20/2020 target. Together with new transport demand initiatives, we will achieve a major change in mode share for public transport.

Public transport improvements will include:

• route coverage, frequency/span of service, reliability, speed and coordination
• information, comfort and convenience, ticketing
• developing the PPTN
• in outer suburbs and growth areas - basic services (local bus services, some rail extensions)
• in middle and outer suburbs - circumferential links (cross town buses, modal interchanges)
• in inner and middle suburbs - travel efficiency (service improvements, including priority for on-road public transport).

Increase in public transport use will be supported by TDM initiatives (see Action 2) including:

• expansion of the TravelSmart program
• introduction of Green Travel plans
• promoting walking and cycling, especially for short trips
• integrated urban development with a focus around activity centres (such as Transit Cities).

A draft 20/2020 Implementation Plan will be released for public comment early in 2003.

Develop a metropolitan road and traffic management strategy
Lead agent: VicRoads
Growth in the metropolitan area will put increasing pressure on Melbourne’s arterial road network and require targeted investment in developing outer suburban areas.

VicRoads is developing the Metropolitan Road and Traffic Management Strategy to guide the development of integrated road management programs in the next 5-10 years and in the longer term. It will be driven by the key objectives of Growing Victoria Together and Melbourne 2030, in particular, improvements to road-based public transport and provision for expected growth in freight.

Key stakeholders are being consulted on the strategy, which will be based on an assessment of the performance of Melbourne’s arterial road system in meeting the community’s travel needs and expectations, and delivering the Government’s policy outcomes. The strategy will seek to resolve competing demands and address network performance requirements, geographic issues and the needs of all modes of travel. The Metropolitan Road and Traffic Management Strategy will:

• confirm needs and establish priorities for infrastructure and management strategies to fulfil the objectives of Growing Victoria Together and Melbourne 2030 for public transport, freight and personal travel
• provide an integrated approach to managing road infrastructure and its use for the benefit of all road users and the broader community
• provide a framework for monitoring system condition and performance and the effectiveness of arterial road investments in accordance with triple-bottom-line principles - meeting economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Develop subregional integrated transport strategies
Lead agent: DOI
An ITS translates the broader transport policy and strategic planning outcomes sought by government and the community into a strategy for a specific geographic area. An ITS typically covers a number of municipalities which share interconnected transport facilities and needs. The ITS provides a region with a development and management framework for its transport infrastructure and services, typically over 20 years. Each ITS relates to existing and proposed land uses, and identifies opportunities to develop a more sustainable transport system, including reducing social isolation.

A region-based ITS will address all forms of transport, including walking, cycling, public transport and freight. It will aim to meet social, environmental and economic outcomes; support relevant major government programs; and identify and protect land necessary for transport systems to serve their long-term needs.

An ITS provides government, local government and the private sector with a transport framework that allows development decisions to be made with greater certainty. It also enables the public and private sectors to set future transport investment priorities in the area.

DOI develops these strategies in cooperation with relevant agencies, local councils and the community. Work completed or in progress includes:

• Outer West Integrated Transport Strategy (complete)
  
• Inner West Integrated Transport Study (in progress)
  
• Northern Central City Corridor Study (in progress)
  
• North East Integrated Transport Study (recently started).

Complete the Local Government Transport and Mobility project
Lead agent: VLGA
DOI will continue to support the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) in developing a program to increase local government awareness of integrated access and mobility planning, and involvement in it. Through the program, the VLGA will seek to map current local government practice, and educate council staff and councillors on best practice.

This work supports partnerships between local and State government, and will improve local government’s capacity to be involved in Melbourne 2030 initiatives. It will support several integrated planning initiatives in which local government will have a key role, including the regional integrated transport strategies, planning for major activity centres, and an increase in the role of walking and cycling and supporting access to public transport services.

Review metropolitan parking policies
Lead agent: DOI
Existing parking policies have developed in an ad hoc way and in the context of limited growth in public transport demand. Metropolitan parking policies will be reviewed to ensure policies are consistent with Melbourne 2030.

The availability, convenience and cost of parking are important determinants of travel behaviour (second only to car availability). Car parking is also a significant land use in its own right. Responsibility for managing parking on roads and at other locations is shared between VicRoads and local government.

DOI will work with VicRoads and local government to review the current practice and policies relating to parking and suggest possible changes to improve economic, social and environmental outcomes for the community.

The review will consider policy for:

• parking on arterial roads
  
• parking in the central city
  
• activity centre parking
  
• park and ride facilities associated with public transport stops
• parking standards in the Victoria Planning Provisions.

Work on the review has started and the first stages are due by mid-2003. Local government and key stakeholders will be involved as the studies are developed.