New operators could take to rails for airport link and suburban loop

A dramatic shake-up could see fresh operators run Melbourne’s new rail services, including the ambitious suburban rail loop and Melbourne Airport link. So what does this mean for Metro?

New operators could be brought in to run trains in Melbourne.

The newcomers could operate services to Melbourne Airport and on the ambitious suburban rail loop.

It would signal a significant switch from existing arrangements which give Metro Trains free rein on the metropolitan rail network.

As many as three operators could eventually run trains across the city.

Rail planners are being brought in to work out how Melbourne’s rail system will run as major projects are completed.

Tender documents show a key objective will be to “assess whether there is merit for the introduction of new operators” to the Victorian rail network for Melbourne Airport Rail and the suburban rail loop.

Rail planners will look at the pros and cons of new operators for Melbourne Airport Rail and the Suburban Rail Loop. Picture: File

They would also assess the “pros and cons and issues associated with the introduction of new operators” for the new lines or keeping the same operator with revised performance goals.

State Government spokeswoman Hayley Bester said: “Rail Projects Victoria is seeking expert advice on how to integrate these massive new projects into the existing rail network.”

“These city shaping projects will change our public transport system forever — it’s vital all options are on the table regarding how the network is run in the long term,’’ she said.

Metro Trains was in 2017 awarded a seven-year extension to run Melbourne’s rail service.

Metro Trains Australia — which is also owned by Hong Kong’s MTR — is part of a consortium which wants to build and operate the airport rail link.

“Under this proposal, Metro Trains Australia would operate and maintain the new line,’’

Metro Trains Australia chief executive officer Leah Waymark said.

“Metro Trains Australia has interest in operating Suburban Rail Loop trains and would seek to support government by participating in any process.

“The existing Metro Trains Melbourne Franchise Contract has no relationship with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link Proposal.”

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Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said separate operators had run trains in Melbourne before, tracing to Bayside and Hillside trains in the late 1990s.

“We have been down this path before,’’ Mr Bowen said.

“The key would be that if there are different operators that there’s a good level of integration between the different rail lines and across the public transport network.

“We wouldn’t want to see separate fares or ticking or anything like that which for a little while was the case with Hillside and Bayside trains.”

A Metro spokesman said its priority was improving services for the 250 million passengers who relied on its trains each year.

Documents show the appointed rail planning team — whose leader must have at least 25 years’ experience in rail operations — will also help identify ways to unlock capacity in existing lines as new projects are finished.

Construction on the airport rail link and suburban rail loop, to connect every major railway line form Frankston to Werribee, will begin in 2022.

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