Public Transport Guidelines for Land Use Development
The Victorian Government has released the Public Transport Guidelines for Land Use and Development as an information resource for councils, developers and consultants. The guidelines aim to facilitate walking, cycling and public transport in new urban and regional developments.
Information on this page
Purpose of the guidelines
The guidelines indicate how land use and development can be designed so that infrastructure that encourages walking, cycling and the use of public transport is incorporated. They emphasis that:
- safety is a critical object. For example, the State Government policy that new level crossings are discouraged and are unlikely to receive approval
- public transport, walking and cycling should be given priority
- careful design will deliver an efficient transport network which will improve service speeds and reliability
- proposals should be designed to expedite, not impede, public transport.
The guidelines will deliver broad community benefits, by:
- encouraging sustainable travel options
- alleviating traffic congestion
- improved urban amenity, connectivity and accessibility between communities, workplaces and urban centres.
What the guidelines cover
The guidelines set out design principles and provide advice on where to access detailed public transport and planning information. This includes advice on trains, trams, buses and interchanges, with particular advice on:
- bus routes in new subdivisions
- road design
- walking and cycling
- design requirements for public transport infrastructure such as stops and parking facilities
- Disability Discrimination Act requirements for public transport.
The Director of Public Transport will use the guidelines in his role as a referral authority for permit applications for major developments. See
Public Transport and planning referrals for more information.
Obtaining a copy of the guidelines
An electronic version of the guidelines is available:
If you are unable to access this version, please contact the Land Use Development and Planning Referrals Team on 9655 6666. | |
Planning scheme advisory note
Planning schemes require that an Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) be prepared for all new major residential, retail, office and industrial developments. As "Major development" is undefined, the Department of Transport has prepared an Advisory Note which identifies the types of proposals which are considered to warrant an ITP, as well as relevant content.
The Department of Planning and Community Development website has more information about planning schemes. | |
Further information
Questions about the guidelines should be directed to the Land Use Development and Planning Referrals Team: