As Victorians start to head back to work, visit family and friends across the state, and head out on a well-deserved break, our transport network will only get busier.

To keep Victoria safe as the state moves towards COVID Normal, the Andrews Labor Government is investing in better roads and rail, new technology and the vital maintenance and upgrades as more people travel around our state – and creating jobs at the same time.

The Victorian Budget 2020/21 invests $1.48 billion to build 100 new modern, accessible trams that will progressively replace Victoria’s ageing A and Z class trams, and develop a new maintenance facility to keep our rolling stock on-track and up-to-scratch.

This is the largest tram order in Victoria in decades and will support close to 1,900 local manufacturing and supply chain jobs at the peak of production. It’ll also build the state’s advanced manufacturing capability, helping Victorian workers and businesses develop skills in cutting-edge transport technology.

We know the transport of the future needs to be cleaner and more sustainable. The Budget accelerates our work to transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet, with a $20 million trial of zero-emission buses to keep Victorians moving at no cost to the planet.

Tourists driving on one of Australia’s most scenic roads will benefit from a safer journey – with the Budget investing $255 million for improvements to the Great Ocean Road and surrounds, delivering a pipeline of over 390 local jobs.

Recognising the vital role our producers and makers will play in our state’s recovery, the Budget will continue our work to ensure Victorian products can be taken to the world quickly and safely.

That includes $48 million to strengthen bridges and replace older intelligent transport systems with new more modern technology, and $31.4 million in upgrades on freight routes that will improve journeys for farmers and processors in Victoria’s vital south-west dairy supply chain.

The Labor Government will build on its significant investments, including the Building Works economic stimulus package, with a further $411 million to resurface, rebuild and maintain 1,700 kilometres of roads – delivering stronger and smoother roads right across the state.

A $117 million package of road and intersection upgrades across Melbourne will also improve safety and get people home sooner, while $63.4 million will support safer journeys to and from school, building new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure across Victoria.

Our public transport and commercial passenger vehicles kept running throughout the pandemic – making sure essential workers could continue supporting our state.

The Budget provides $438.1 million to sustain these vital services, delivering safe and clean travel. A further $187.6 million will go towards upgrades and maintenance on our V/Line network.

With Victorians on track to experience a COVID Normal summer, a $2.5 million investment in the Summer Streets program will provide traffic management to keep communities safe during COVID safe outdoor events.

And as more Victorians head outside and enjoy time with their friends and families, this Budget invests in all of our transport assets, including $1.6 million for the Maribyrnong boat ramp to give boaters and fishers better access to the water, and $9 million to transform vacant rail buildings in regional Victoria for community use.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll

“We’re investing in better roads, new trams and buses, and upgrades to keep our transport system safe as Victoria moves to COVID Normal and more people are moving around the network, while tackling transport emissions.”

“Building better roads and public transport is good for drivers and passengers, but it’s also great news for Victorian jobs.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Ports and Freight and Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne

“As we begin our state’s recovery, we’re making investments in a smart and efficient freight network to get more Victorian products to the world.”