Passengers flock to ride Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel as $15.5bn line officially opens: LIVE UPDATES

Transport enthusiasts and commuters have rushed to catch the first trains through Melbourne's $15.5bn Metro Tunnel as the underground network finally opens to the public. LIVE UPDATES

The day has finally arrived — Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel is officially open to the public, marking the biggest shake-up to the state’s rail network in 40 years.

One decade since the Andrews government backed a rail connection to take pressure off the City Loop, the $15.5bn underground grandeur is finished, set to transform public transport for commuters in Melbourne’s west and southeast.

On Sunday, transport enthusiasts rushed to Sunbury and East Pakenham train stations at either ends of the new Metro Tunnel line to snag a free seat on one of the two inaugural services due to take passengers to the five new stations in Melbourne: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.

The Herald Sun will be on board the first train to travel through the tunnel, leaving Sunbury at 9.28am.

Follow the live coverage below.

Still wondering how the Metro Tunnel works or how your commute will change? Click here.

Originally published as Passengers flock to ride Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel as $15.5bn line officially opens: LIVE UPDATES