Section 9 - Ground Transport Plan - Melbourne Airport

The efficiency and effectiveness, in terms of average
vehicle occupancy, of taxi movement within the airport
could be significantly improved. Melbourne Airport is
committed to working with the Victorian Taxi Directorate,
Taxis Services Commission or relevant authority on
improving taxi movements. Over the next five years, the
airport proposes to encourage and trial new taxi-sharing
initiatives and make improvements to VHA services.
Melbourne Airport could also benefit from changes
identified in the State Government’s Taxi Industry Inquiry.
The airport will work with the Victorian Government on
implementation of the Inquiry’s recommendations.
9.5.9 Active Transport
Active transport, where possible, will continue to promote
walking and cycling. This is primarily aimed at providing
active transport opportunities for employees.
The proposed improvements include enhancing the
existing bicycle path network and the quality of existing
network infrastructure, and providing additional end-of-trip
facilities such as safe, accessible storage for bicycles and
change facilities for cyclists. This active transport network
will be significantly improved by constructing a shared
pedestrian and bike path adjacent to the Airport Drive
extension, which will link two roads that are currently
part of the Principal Bicycle Network in Sharps Road
and Melrose Drive. The same path will also enable the
airport to be connected to the M80 Ring Road bike
network in the future.
The cycle networks will also benefit from half the traffic
shifting from existing roads to the new elevated loop road
when it is completed. This will provide safer routes into
employment areas and greater separation of pedestrians
and cyclists from vehicles. The details of any opportunities
are currently being investigated as part of the elevated
road network planning project. Specific details are not
yet available as the upper road network routes are being
finalised, which in turn will influence the traffic uses,
capacities and opportunities on the existing roads.
However, active transport improvements are expected.
9.5.10 Freight
As demand increases, freight access to and within
Melbourne Airport will be improved with the development
of the elevated road network, which will separate freight
vehicles from passenger vehicles. The first steps have
been realised with the recently completed APAC Drive
on-ramp to the Tullamarine Freeway. Over the next five
years, the Airport Drive route will be established to
provide access from the Melbourne Airport Business
Park, rather than direct traffic through the terminal
precinct.
9.6 Future Ground Transport
Implementation System (six–20 years)
Within the six to 20-year period, Melbourne Airport
will commit to implementing the Ground Transport
Plan. This will achieve Melbourne Airport’s vision for an
interconnected ground transport system that supports
safe, efficient and reliable journeys for all modes of
transport and airport users.
DRAFT
In addition to increasing passenger demand and
employment expected at Melbourne Airport, a number
of external factors will contribute to or affect transport
access. These include an ageing population; the increasing
role of technology; the move towards high-productivity
vehicles for moving goods; limitations on the supply of
non-renewable energy sources; a continued focus on
equity, security and safety; and the potentially increasing
role of the private sector in infrastructure investment.
These external factors will be considered when
implementing the plan.
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