More trains will be running across Melbourne by the end of the month, a new-look state government says.
And an order is in for 25 more locally built trains to compliment ones that are starting to be delivered.
The government says that as of Sunday, August 23, more than 400 extra weekly train services will run, including a new direct service from Newport to Sandringham via Flinders.
Public Transport Minister Vicki Ward says: “More trains on the timetable means less time waiting on the platform and more time to enjoy your destination …
“(We’re) getting the train easier, faster and cheaper.”
RAIL CHANGES
- Werribee, Laverton, Williamstown and Sandringham lines: More than 180 new weekly services and trains, running every 10 minutes from Newport to Sandringham on weekdays.
- Craigieburn Line: 115 more weekly services with trains every 20 minutes at least from morning until midnight.
- Upfield Line: An extra 77 weekly services, with trains every 20 minutes at least.
- Belgrave and Lilydale lines: Extra Friday and Saturday night services to Ringwood.
- Mernda and Hurstbridge lines: Eight new Sunday morning services on each line.
- Wyndham Vale Line: Peak service capacity to be boosted by upgrades to nine-car VLocity trains.
- Geelong Line: 40 weekly services extending from Geelong to Waurn Ponds.
- Shepparton Line: Nine return services every weekday and five return services on Saturdays and Sundays after a line upgrade.
- Seymour Line: Hourly services on the weekend.
MP for Footscray Katie Hall says: “For the first time, you can jump on a train in Melbourne’s west and travel straight to the MCG, Chapel Street and Sandringham Beach without changing trains.”
MORE TRAIN NEWS
Extra services are on the way in 2027 for the Hurstbridge, Mernda, Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines, government says.
Government is also expecting the delivery of another 25 locally built X’Trapolis 2.0 trains in a deal it says is worth $673.6 million.
Train manufacturer Alstom says the state government exercised a contract option for another 25 six-car electric trains, each one capable of carrying 1225 passengers.
The manufacturer is already building and delivering 25 of the trains under a 2021 contract; it says the first train in that order entered service in May.
Meanwhile, the new West Tarneit Station is due to open on Sunday, September 13.
The timetable for the new services was released online today (August 7); to find out more, visit transport.vic.gov.au or the PTV app.
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