The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has praised a State Government commitment to increased train services across the network.
Waiting times for trains are set to be slashed on the Sandringham, Craigieburn, Upfield and Gippsland lines, with more peak services on the Werribee and Seymour lines, and more capacity on the Bendigo line – on top of the upgrades to the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines linked to the Metro tunnel.[1]
“While the package does not solve every issue, it will make a positive difference for train passengers, and will attract more patronage”, said PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen.
“We know that more trains more often gets more passengers on board, and more cars off the road.
“Higher frequency services also make it far easier to make connections, and to help people get to places on time.
“This investment moves Melbourne towards the Turn-Up-And-Go metro train service that other big cities have, and the State Government is to be applauded for these upgrades. We look forward to seeing more public transport service improvements to help keep more of Melbourne moving.”
[1] Frequency upgrades include:
- Sandringham line upgraded from every 15 minutes to every 10 minutes weekday interpeak
- Craigieburn and Upfield upgraded from every 30-40 minutes to every 20 minutes evenings and Sunday mornings
- Gippsland line upgraded from every 60 minutes to every 40 minutes on weekdays
See https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/pt-blitz-more-train-services-metro-tunnel-and-airport-rail