Federal Labor backs Rowville rapid transport with new funding pledge

A $6m funding commitment could bring “trackless trams” to Melbourne’s east as part of a bid to tackle worsening congestion on major commuter roads.

Federal Labor has thrown its support behind a proposal to build rapid transit out to Rowville, committing $6m to fund a business case for the project.

Under an Albanese government, full funding would be provided to develop a case for electric Trackless Rapid Transport, sometimes known as “trackless trams”.

The project would be expected to tackle worsening traffic congestion on the Monash Freeway and Princes Highway.

Melburnians in the region have long called for a public transport solution and the idea, first proposed by Vicinity Centres and Monash University, would connect multiple busy areas.

The new network would start at Caulfield station before making its way to Chadstone Shopping Centre, Monash’s Clayton campus and out to Rowville.

Renders of the proposed trackless tram route to Rowville Chadstone Station.

It is expected to cost about $1.4bn and will feature heavy vehicles with wheels using their own dedicated lanes and stops along the route.

They have been described as trackless trams because they are built heavier and with carriages, much like something seen on a railway.

In December last year, the Commonwealth offered to fund a business case into the project.

The Andrews government has offered to lead the charge but this money has not yet been provided.

If Labor wins the next federal election, the $6m commitment would go to the state.

Labor transport spokeswoman, Catherine King, said there was a lack of accessible public transport for people in the area.

“This project will get locals to work, to the shops and to university, allowing them to spend more time at home and less on the road,” Ms King said.

“Not only will this project make their lives easier, but it will deliver secure Australian jobs, both in construction and for the businesses and industries along the route.”

A rapid transport station at Monash.

Dedicated lanes for the ‘trackless trams’.

The project is expected to create more than 2000 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

Ms King said the area had great potential for new businesses. But was being held back by a lack of east to west public transport and as traffic congestion, with delays on the Monash Freeway and Princes Highway expected to increase by 87 per cent over the next decade.

“Just like with Labor’s National Rail Manufacturing Plan, we will ensure the business case closely considers opportunities to make these TRT vehicles in Australia,” she said.

“With Monash Heart Hospital due to open next year it is critical that we get on with fixing the public transport connections to the southeast.”

A spokeswoman said the state government welcomed the new commitment.

“We will continue to work with both sides in Canberra to progress this project,” she said.