The announcement, as part of the state government’s $100 million Better Bus Networks program, was made by Wendouree MP Sharon Knight and Buninyong MP Geoff Howard in Delacombe on Friday. 

The upgrade will reduce the number of routes from 19 to 15, but provide more frequent and extensive services at key locations such as Federation University.

It will be introduced in line with the new V/Line timetable on January 29, which will also add 10 extra weekly train services for commuters. All bus routes will run through Ballarat Railway Station.

The upgrade will see CDC Victoria add 30 new drivers and an apprentice to its workforce, while 13 new buses also added to the network.

Central to the system’s change is the increased coverage in areas such as Delacombe – to service the new Delacombe Town Centre following it’s completion – as well as Brown Hill and the rapidly expanding Alfredton.

It will also provide better access between Sebastopol and Mt Clear through the use of Whitehorse Road.

However, Lake Gardens residents will be disappointed with the outcome of the revamp, with their suburb left off any direct routes.

Public Transport Victoria chief executive Jeroen Weimar described the system as “radically different” and said he expected it to lead to an increase in patronage from the 1.79 million who used the bus network in Ballarat last financial year.

“We’re looking to attract more people to use public transport – we think it’s good for the economy in Ballarat, good for the environment, good for the community,” he said.

“This is part of a wider review of networks across Victoria. We’ve seen really strong passenger growth numbers in those areas (Bendigo and Geelong, including a 12 per cent growth for the latter).

“We’re confident we’ll something similar in Ballarat.”

Public Transport Users Assocation Ballarat convener Ben Lever praised the change.

“Most of the new routes will be much more fast and direct than the current routes, which will make it much more attractive and convenient to people who currently drive,” he said.

“This will be key to helping ease pressure on roads and parking, by encouraging people to shift to public transport.”