More cups, more often as Melbourne Metro Tunnel gives out free coffees and travel mugs

COMMUTERS have been offered coffee cards and travel mugs to thank them for their patience during construction work on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.

Workers in the Domain precinct are being offered free coffee cards and travel mugs to compensate for ongoing disruptive ­construction. Picture: Sarah Matray

COMMUTERS in the Domain precinct are being offered free coffee cards and travel mugs to compensate for ongoing disruptive ­construction.

Work on the new Toorak Rd West tram line means drivers face a commuter crush in the school holidays, as just one lane is open in each direction.

Tram passengers on routes 3, 3a, 5, 6, 58, 64, 67 and 72 have also been forced on to buses until Tuesday.

The cards can be exchanged for a free coffee at five outlets — Cafe Rosco and Earl Canteen in St Kilda Rd; Time Out in Federation Square; Mister Close in Burke St; and Etto Pasta Bar in St James Place.

Work on the new Toorak Rd West tram line means drivers face a commuter crush in the school holidays, as just one lane is open in each direction. Picture: Sarah Matray

Commuter Judy Kelly said the caffeine giveaway was a nice surprise.

“I’d happily catch a bus each day for a free coffee,” she said.

“The disruption is annoying but hopefully it’s just for a few more days.

“I guess it’s the price of progress.”

Melbourne Metro Rail Authority spokesman Reid Sexton said 600 coffee vouchers were being handed out while buses replaced trams on St Kilda Rd.

“Only coffee vouchers that get redeemed will be paid for, so full costs will not be known until later this month,” Mr Sexton said.

“In an effort to reduce waste, MMRA is also handing out reusable Metro Tunnel coffee cups for commuters to redeem their coffee voucher and to keep.

“MMRA has also partnered with popular food and beverage companies such as Chobani, Remedy Kombucha and ‘Thank You’ to hand out snacks and drinks to commuters who are choosing to give bus replacement services a go.

“These products have been provided to MMRA for free.”

Travel time, during the worst of the construction, will increase 29 per cent in the evening peak and 25 per cent in mornings.

From Wednesday, Domain Rd will be closed for about five years.

St Kilda Rd carries 3000 cars and 8000 tram passengers in peak hour.

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