Southland station to open in time for the Christmas shopping rush

THE long-awaited Southland station will open soon as anger continues to grow over the proposed paid parking at nearby Westfield Southland.

THE long-awaited Southland Station will open in time for the Christmas shopping rush.

Thousands of Frankston Line passengers will be able to access the station from November 26, in time to ease parking congestion for the festive season.

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Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll toured the station today to make the announcement.

“This new station is creating jobs, and directly connecting thousands of workers to Southland for the first time,” he said.

The station will open just in time for Christmas.

The new Southland is on the Frankston line.

“Investing in communities and supporting local jobs — that’s what the Andrews Labor Government is doing every single day.”

The opening date comes as anger continues to simmer among Southland workers over the proposed paid parking at Westfield Southland.

The ticketless system has been introduced to prevent city commuters using the carpark.

Westfield has revealed shoppers will get the first three hours free, but will then be slugged between $3 and $18, depending on how long they stay.

Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos welcomed the news passengers would be boarding at the new station soon.

“This new station will make travelling to Southland easier for thousands of staff and shoppers every day,” he said.

“We promised a new station and we’ve delivered — right on time for the busy Christmas period.”