Andrews Government knocks back $300m upgrade proposal for Southern Cross station

Despite a major surge of commuters and over crowding concerns, a $300 million proposal to overhaul Southern Cross Station has been refused by the Andrews Government. Here’s why.

A $300 million proposal to overhaul Southern Cross station has been knocked back by the Andrews Government almost three years after it was first floated.

Civic Nexus, the current tenants of the station until 2036, have urgently been calling for upgrades to improve capacity after a surge in passengers using the station over the last decade.

RAIL STAFF COMPLAIN OF THE BITTER COLD

CITY TRAIN USE SET TO DOUBLE

CITY TO AIRPORT IN 20 MINS UNDER NEW RAIL PLAN

More than 180,000 people are believed to pass through the hub every day and this number is rising as patronage on V/Line and Metro trains grows.

But a market-led proposal put to the Victorian Government in 2016 was yesterday rejected because it did not fully consider the state’s program of major transport projects.

Under the plan, platforms would be lengthened, the bus coach terminal would be improved and an elevated walkway would provide better access.

More than 180,000 people are believed to pass through the hub every day. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But the government ruled that further work was needed to understand how the Metro Tunnel and the Airport Rail Link would impact passenger numbers in the area.

It also found there was currently no risk to safety from overcrowded and the station had enough room to allow for growing numbers of rail passengers.

“Major projects like the Metro Tunnel, Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Western Rail Plan will transform Victoria’s transport network — we’ll plan for the future of Southern Cross station in light of this record investment in our state,” Acting Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.

The current tenants of the station have urgently been calling for upgrades to improve capacity after a surge in passengers using the station over the last decade. Picture: Ian Currie

“Public Transport Victoria will continue to work with Southern Cross to help manage growth experienced at the station.”

It comes after a broken escalator along platforms at the station sparked complaints from commuters caught in long lines over the past week.

Modelling for the Metro Tunnel shows the project will reduce crowding at existing CBD stations once it is built.

Daily numbers at Southern Cross are expected to be 342,000, rather than 428,000, when the tunnel is completed about 2025.