Vic: 200 new weekly train services a year

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2008
Vic: 200 new weekly train services a year

By Katie Bradford

MELBOURNE, April 9 AAP - More than 200 new weekly train services are to be introduced
to Melbourne's metropolitan train network.

It's the biggest overhaul of the rail timetable since the City Loop was completed in
May 1985, the Victorian government said.

Victorian Premier John Brumby said the changes are part of a three-step plan to improve
reliability and ease the squeeze for passengers.

"Accelerated population growth, increased CBD employment and petrol costs all mean
that more people than ever are using Melbourne's trains," Mr Brumby said.

The rail network has recorded its highest ever patronage of 189.4 million trips a year.

The plan will see 105 new weekly services rolled out on April 27.

At least 95 new weekly services will follow in November and additional off-peak services
in mid-2009.

Eleven new daily services across the Dandenong, Pakenham, Glen Waverley, Sydenham,
Werribee, Frankston and Craigieburn lines would carry at least 8,800 more passengers a
day.

Connex CEO Bruce Hughes said passengers on the Stony Point line will benefit from an
upgraded train and a completely revamped timetable.

"All these improvements are due to investment, long term planning and preparation.

They will provide benefits for customers across the network and are changes that will
help us move forward," Mr Hughes said.

All peak hour Werribee services will go straight to Flinders Street station instead
of through the City Loop, but Mr Hughes said this will be offset by more frequent, faster
and reliable services.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen welcomed the plan.

"These changes can't come soon enough," he said.

"This is precisely what we've been calling on the government to do for years now -
to untangle the myriad of railway stopping patterns, to untangle the mess around the City
Loop, to get more trains running direct into Flinders Street, it's a good move."

Mr Bowen said while some passengers would be forced to travel for longer under the
changes, overall, train users would be better off.

AAP kb/gfr/jec/mn

KEYWORD: TRANSPORT VIC (WITH FACTBOX)

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