List of Melbourne Bus Routes - Route Numbering Scheme

Route Numbering Scheme

The route number of buses in Melbourne can tell a little about the route's operator, area served and even its history.

Route numbering was a reflection of the designated zonal area used during the 1980s. Areas were referred to as "Neighbourhood Zones". However, as part of the "Grow or Go" policies, route numbers across the bus network were affected. There are no two-digit route numbers – these are used exclusively by trams.

Route numbers in the 150 range are school-only services that mostly operate in the Kew area.

200–399: These routes were former government-run routes (Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board and then MetBus). They are found mostly in inner suburbs such as Footscray/Sunshine, Elsternwick-Brighton, Clifton Hill and Port Melbourne. Routes in the Doncaster/Templestowe area also have these numbers due to a Tramways board takeover after the area's private operator collapsed.

In the 1990s all MetBus routes were put out to private franchise. Operators of these services include Melbourne Bus Link and National Bus Company (now owned by Ventura).

400–899: These routes have always been run by private companies. Most are found in the middle and outer suburbs, where they provide feeders to railway stations and provide local travel.

900–903: Historically these route numbers were used by Victorian Railways, who ran buses co-ordinated with trains on some routes. Routes with these numbers have either been abolished or incorporated into other routes. The 900 series is now used for normal routes, just like the 400 – 899 series.