‘New normal’ emerges on Melbourne’s public transport network

A new normal has emerged on Melbourne’s public transport network in the wake of the pandemic.

November was the busiest month on the network since COVID-19 hit, with patronage at 77 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, but the busiest times on public transport have changed.

Spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association, Daniel Bowen, says it’s the result of many people now working from home for part of the week.

“People are perhaps less likely to go into the CBD for work, to go into the office everyday, but they’re still likely to make other trips,” he told Jimmy Bartel and Emily Power, filling in for Ross and Russel.

Mr Bowen says it’s worth considering whether future public transport investment should focus on traditional peak periods or adapt to changing travel patterns.

“Maybe that investment instead needs to go into more services around the suburbs … as well as more services in the evenings and weekends,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear how public transport usage has changed