Greens call for $8.5b to be spent on high-capacity signalling, trains in ‘Train Transformation’ plan
VICTORIA’S Greens want high-capacity signalling across Melbourne’s rail network overhauled so trains can run every three minutes.
Victoria State Election
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria State Election. Followed categories will be added to My News.
VICTORIA’S Greens want signalling across Melbourne’s rail network overhauled so high-capacity trains can run every three minutes.
The party today released its “Train Transformation” plan, which pushes for $5 billion to be spent installing high-capacity signalling across the network by 2032.
It would prioritise work on the Mernda, Craigieburn and Upfield, and Werribee lines first, then Belgrave and Lilydale, Frankston and Glen Waverley lines.
GREENS PROPOSE MELBOURNE METRO 2 RAIL LINK
GREENS’ $6.5B PLAN FOR MORE TRAMS, SUPER STOPS
VICTORIA ON TRACK FOR BIG TICKET RAIL PROMISES
High-capacity signalling allows trains to run more often — every two-three minutes — and closer together.
The Greens’ public transport spokesman Sam Hibbins said the signalling upgrade was “essential” to increase services and make Melbourne’s trains more reliable.
“This is really about getting more trains on the tracks during peak hour, improving reliability and lessen overcrowding,” he said.
“There has been some big announcements in terms of trains over the last few weeks but unfortunately it will be all for nought if we leave our current train lines to rot.”
VICTORIA ON TRACK FOR BIG TICKET RAIL PROMISES
WILL WE FINALLY SEE A HIGH-SPEED RAIL LINK TO GEELONG?
The train plan also called for $3.5 billion for 100 extra high capacity trains over the next decade and $20 million to continue the government’s level crossing removals.
The state government is rolling out high-capacity signalling between Watergardens and Dandenong, as part of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.
Two new control centres will also be built at Sunshine and Dandenong to operate the system, with testing of new High Capacity Metro Trains scheduled to start next month.
Seven weeks from the state election, parties on all sides have made a series of big-budget rail announcements.
The Greens also want $100 million spent on planning the second phase of Melbourne Metro, which cannot be built until after the first stage is completed in 2025.
The major parties have promised more than $90 billion worth of rail upgrades.
The Andrews Government has promised $300 million to plan a $50 billion suburban rail loop, connecting suburbs from Cheltenham to Werribee.
It will also push ahead with its level crossing removal program, with another 21 to be gone at a cost of more than $3 billion.
Meanwhile, the Coalition last week unveiled a $19 billion plan for fast rail services to regional Victoria.
Greens MP Ellen Sandell said Melbourne’s train network needed upgrades to be carried out immediately, to match the big-picture plans.
“The government has some good announcements about trains but they are 30-40 years into the future,” she said.
“We need some solutions that we can implement now.”
MORE HERALD SUN NEWS:
PLATFORM SCREENS FOR METRO TUNNEL REVEALED
Libs retain Ripon after thriller re-count
The Liberals appear to have held on to their most marginal seat — but only just. This is how many votes separated MP Louise Stalety and Labor candidate Sarah De Santis.
O’Brien set to lead shattered Liberals
Former state treasurer Michael O’Brien appears set to take leadership of the Victorian Liberals. It comes after a 71-year-old retired naval officer who has never learnt to drive ended the leadership hopes of John Pesutto.