What is SmartBus?
| SmartBus is a premium bus service that has been designed to complement Melbourne's radial train network by providing 'cross-town' connections along major arterial roads to train stations, tram lines, schools, universities, hospitals, shopping centres and other activity centres. |  |  |
What defines a SmartBus service?
More services, more often
SmartBus services run more often and for longer hours than most bus services.
On weekdays services run:
- every 15 minutes between 6.30am and 9.00pm
- on average every 30 minutes between 5.00am and 6.30am
- on average every 30 minutes between 9.00pm and midnight.
On weekends and public holidays:
- on average every 30 minutes between 6.00am and midnight on Saturdays and public holidays
- on average every 30 minutes between 7.00am and 9.00pm on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
A more reliable service
SmartBus services are more reliable because of a combination of road priority works and the use of smart technology.
SmartBus routes undergo 'bus-friendly' roadwork to improve the way buses move in and out of traffic. Bus lanes are created or improved in high-delay locations and improvements are made to bus stops to ensure that buses have easier and safer access to passengers.
In some areas, SmartBus buses have the ability to request traffic light priority during their journey.
SmartBus services run 'direct' and sometimes 'limited stop' along major arterial roads – making journey times shorter and journeys more direct for passengers.
Better information
SmartBus buses have the ability to communicate with their depot during a journey, which allows them to provide real-time travel information to passengers at selected high-use bus stops. Bus-train interchanges also have real-time information on SmartBus and train arrival times, making journey transitions smoother.
Unlike most bus stops, all SmartBus stops provide local area maps and stop specific timetables.
Better, safer access to buses
Bus stops along SmartBus routes are safer and are highly visible, because they have been designed to the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act
(DDA) standards.
Low-floor buses are used on SmartBus routes. These buses are able to 'meet' the bus stop at the same level and eliminate a 'step' to board the bus.