State Government promises $750m for Cranbourne train line
THE Cranbourne train line is hotting up as one of the key election issues, with the State Government announcing a $750 million plan to duplicate track on the line.
South East
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THE Cranbourne train line is hotting up as one of the key election issues, with the State Government announcing a $750 million plan to duplicate track on the crowded line.
The project, to be completed by 2023 if Labor wins the November state election, means trains will run every 10 minutes in the morning and evening rush hours along the whole Cranbourne line.
DANIEL ANDREWS PROMISES TRAINS EVERY 10 MINUTES
MATTHEW GUY PROMISES CLYDE RAIL EXTENSION
Casey Council and public transport groups have welcomed the pledge, which will see more than 1000 jobs created during two years of construction to duplicate 8km of track, removing bottlenecks which cause frustrating delays beyond Dandenong.
In another win for the Leader’s ‘Put Clyde Back on Track’ campaign, Premier Daniel Andrews has also promised $7 million to finish planning the extension of the line from Cranbourne to Clyde.
The state opposition has promised to extend to Clyde by 2022, but the government argues the duplication closer to the city must be done first.
Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the extension to Clyde and duplication of the line were both sorely needed.
“The current single track means there is a limit to the number of trains that can run, and causes even minor delays to quickly snowball,” Mr Bowen said.
“Duplicating the line is essential to help provide frequent, reliable train services.”
South West and Gippsland Transport Group chair Andrew McEwen said it was fantastic both political parties had committed to public transport upgrades.
Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett welcomed the State Government’s announcement, but said the council and residents wouldn’t stop campaigning until the rail line was built.
“The government’s $750 million commitment draws us closer to delivering nonpartisan support for building much needed and deserved rail infrastructure to Clyde, connecting residents to jobs, schools and services.”
Tracks will be upgraded around Caulfield station where the Frankston line breaks off, and Dandenong station where the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines separate.
Labor’s Cranbourne candidate Pauline Richards said commuters had been “crying out for this upgrade”.
If the government is re-elected, detailed plans would be developed next year before construction kicks off in 2021.
The Coalition’s Clyde extension project would cost $487 million, adding 5km of track plus new stations at Cranbourne East and Clyde, and more commuter parking.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said last month the area was struggling with “substantial population growth pains”, and that extending the line would “bust local congestion” and allow residents to enjoy their lives.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the government was already “building the public transport system Victorians need”.
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