Bus 513 from Eltham to Preston has also had about 10 services cut per week while the 566 bus from Greensborough to Lalor will have three fewer services per week.

Dyson's Bus Company said the timetable changes to the 562 had to occur as heavy traffic meant the old timetable was unachievable.

But public transport advocates have called the change a step backwards.

Timetable changes will affect routes 513, 562, 566 and 563, all of which run through Banyule and Nillumbik.

The 562 will have the most services cut with the Whittlesea to Greensborough weekday service down from 28 services to 22.

The bus will now have a peak hour frequency of about every 40 minutes.

Dyson's Bus Company metropolitan manager Greg Deakin said the 562 had been unable to meet its timetable and constantly ran 20 minutes late.

"We just have to give it more running time because there's too much pressure on drivers and passengers," he said.

Mr Deakin said the changes were only temporary as a major timetable overhaul would occur in April next year.

Friends of Banyule spokeswoman Marion Ware said the government had showed no commitment to public transport in the area.

"People won't be using these bus services because they are already unreliable, untimely and don't connect through to trains," she said.

Ms Ware said the group had campaigned for more bus services for years.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the bus cuts were a "retrograde step".

"Suburbs in Melbourne's north need more frequent, reliable public transport services to help people get around without driving and provide relief from traffic congestion and rising petrol prices," he said.

The Department of Transport was unable to comment in time for deadline.