Mernda South Morang railway line extension passes Monday morning peak test with flying colours
THE SOUTH Morang line’s extended train service has passed its first major challenge, with services through the three new stations coping well during this morning’s first commuter rush.
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THE SOUTH Morang line’s extended train service has passed its first major challenge, with services through the three new stations coping well during this morning’s first commuter rush.
A day after trains rolled out of Mernda for the first time in 59 years, services on the extended northern line’s the three new stations ran smoothly with the trains largely praised by morning commuters.
Parking at Mernda filled up by 7.55am, but spots at Hawkstowe and Middle Gorge stations were still available.
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As of 9am, hundreds of carparks were free at Middle Gorge and a handful remained at Hawkstowe.
However, many complained about the narrowness of carpark spaces at Mernda with many parking outside the lines.
As expected, morning peak services were busy but seats remained on most services until Epping and Thomastown.
Commuters were offered free coffee and breakfast at Mernda and Hawkstowe as workman continued to work on last-minute details and bike cages.
The station was officially opened yesterday morning by Premier Daniel Andrews and Yan Yean state Labor MP Danielle Green.
Almost 100 people gave up sleep to catch the first train to Mernda from South Morang at 3.34am on Sunday.
Among them was South Morang and Mernda Rail Alliance spokesman Darren Peters, who along with Whittlesea Leader and Whittlesea Council, campaigned for the train line.
“It was wonderful for my wife and I to be with the hundred or so people that decided to catch the first train into Mernda,” he said.
“Passengers clapped and cheered as we departed South Morang for Mernda for the first time and even though it was clear that everyone was very tired at this early hour, you could not wipe a smile away from anyone.
“Everyone on-board was so happy to be part of history and to be able to say ‘I was on the first train to Mernda’ when we arrived at the station.”
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