Some of Melbourne's busiest bus routes will be cut back as much as 50 per cent next year so that other services can run more frequently in a big shake-up of bus services proposed by Public Transport Victoria.

Many suburban routes that cover long distances will be broken up into smaller runs in a bid to improve punctuality. Some passengers will win as services are boosted, but at the direct expense of other routes where waiting times will blow out.

Routes will also bypass some local streets, putting residents 700 metres or more from the nearest stop.

The network changes, which will affect buses in almost every part of Melbourne, have been devised by operator Transdev as part of its contract with the state.

Transdev and PTV released details of the proposal on Monday, two days after the election. They are seeking feedback at a series of public meetings this month.