New solution for Rowville Rail speeds up as business case looms

A proposal for a “trackless” tram route to Rowville is gathering speed with council backing. See how it could change Melbourne transport.

An unconventional solution to build a “trackless” tram route to Rowville is a step closer to reality, with the four local councils covered by the project backing the plan.

The federal government wants to fund a business case for the idea and the state government has put forward an offer to begin work on the document.

Local residents have been campaigning for decades to build a rail line out to the area and tackle crippling congestion.

But governments have been unable to agree on funding a proposal.

To break the deadlock, Monash University and Vicinity Centres have put forward a proposal for a hi-tech rapid transit system running along dedicated lanes between Caulfield Station and Rowville.

An artist’s impression of the proposed rapid transit system.

It would cost $1.4bn and be delivered at least two years before more expensive light and heavy rail options.

They have previously been described as “trackless trams” but run on wheels rather than on tracks.

Each vehicle is built wider, heavier and across multiple carriages to resemble a conventional tram.

The project is firming up as the likely choice for funding between state and federal governments after receiving popular support from local councils and major employment providers in the area.

The proposal would link heavily into Chadstone Shopping Centre.

The proposed route, which connects with the Suburban Rail Loop.

Stonnington, Glen Eira, Monash and Knox Councils have called on governments to move to creating a business case, with discussions now well advanced.

“The Commonwealth has offered to fund a business case and our proposal to undertake one is with them for approval,” a state government spokeswoman said.

Monash University chief operating officer Peter Marshall said the project was needed to reduce traffic around the booming employment hub.

“This simple, cost-effective transport solution will help streamline the commute for thousands of people each day along the busy road corridor between Caulfield and Rowville,” he said.

“It will also increase access to the Suburban Rail Loop through its connections to the Monash station.

“Monash University has welcomed previous commitments from the federal and state governments to deliver transport solutions for the southeast economic corridor, and we again urge the governments to prioritise funding for this significant project.”

Major employment hubs will be targeted as part of the project.

Dedicated lanes will allow fast movement between each station.

The proposal has also been designed to better fit in with the state government’s Suburban Rail Loop project and will connect to one of the new stations set to be built.

The Demographic Group executive director Bernard Salt said Melbourne was crying out for more “agile” and “articulated” public transport and the link out to Rowville was an ideal first step.

“There is a need to fill the gaps between the big fixed plays like the Suburban Rail Loop and Metro Tunnel,” he said.

Mr Salt said there would be less of a focus on the CBD in the future.

He said new ideas were needed to help people live and work around hubs across the suburbs.

“Melbourne (transport) looked like a fried egg,” he said. “Post-Covid we will see more of the 20-minute city concept.”