51 per cent of Melburnians keen to use Melbourne Airport Rail

A poll has found the majority of Victorians would take the train if the long-awaited project gets built.

Most Victorians would swap out Ubers and buses for Airport Rail once it is completed, according to new polling.

The poll of 2000 voters, conducted this month by Redbridge, found 46 per cent of Victorians would be extremely likely or very likely to use the rail link, while 25 per cent would be slightly likely or not likely at all.

The long-awaited project was particularly popular among those living in metropolitan Melbourne, with 51 per cent keen to jump aboard, compared to just 20 per cent who plan to give it a miss.

Victorians aged 50 and older were also more likely to try it out, along with those born abroad and those who spoke other languages.

25 per cent of respondents said they would be slightly likely or not likely at all to use Melbourne Airport Rail.

But with negotiations between the Allan government and Melbourne Airport at a standstill, travellers are likely to be waiting some time before the rail link is complete.

While Melbourne Airport wants the rail line built underground, the government has dismissed the proposal, arguing it would be too costly and create further delays.

Last month, Treasurer Tim Pallas warned Melbourne Airport the government’s patience was being “very sorely tested” over the negotiations.

The comments came after airport chief executive Lorie Argus labelled the state’s planned elevated station “problematic”. Ms Argus said she backed the rail link, but said “it needs to be done properly”.

Originally published as 51 per cent of Melburnians keen to use Melbourne Airport Rail