Overview
After years of work and countless headlines, the Metro Tunnel is finally set to open, with passengers invited to experience the landmark $15 billion project from early December. Now, to celebrate its grand reveal, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced the public can travel for free every weekend from opening day until Sunday, February 1.
Set to double the size of Melbourne's underground rail network, the Metro Tunnel will undoubtedly attract plenty of passengers from day one. Yet the announcement comes as a gesture of thanks to commuters, given that the big build has caused frequent disruptions to travel plans over the last few years.
"To say thank you to Victorians for their [patience, we are] delivering free public transport for everyone every weekend, everywhere in our state," said Premier Allan, speaking to Today. "From the opening of the metro tunnel in early December through to the first of February, when we integrate this amazing piece of infrastructure into the [public transport network]."
Representing the most significant change to the City Loop since it opened almost 45 years ago, the opening of the Metro Tunnel is being implemented through a two-phase process. At first, services will run mainly between West Footscray and Westall. Then, on February 1, the so-called Big Switch arrives, with Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury Line services running exclusively through the Metro Tunnel.
In real terms, that means over 1000 new weekly services added on the Sunbury Line, with another 100-plus added to the weekly timetable for Cranbourne and Pakenham passengers. Meanwhile, Frankston Line trains will return to the City Loop, and Werribee and Williamstown line services will run directly to and from Flinders Street.
Arriving on the back of more free transport news, this soft launch approach provides a little more runway to bed down new infrastructure, technology and procedures. According to Allan, "This is how you do it to get a smooth, safe start, to get passengers using this infrastructure at the earliest opportunity."
Weekend travel will be free on Melbourne's public transport network from the soon-to-be-announced opening date of the Metro Tunnel until Sunday, February 1. Head to the website for more information.
Top image: iStock.