Metro Tunnel opening to usher in a new era for Melbourne mobility

Today’s announcement from the Allan Labor Government that the Metro Tunnel will open in early December marks a major milestone for Victoria’s public transport network.

The project has delivered twin nine-kilometre tunnels and five new underground stations across central Melbourne, unlocking significant new capacity by connecting the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines with the Sunbury line to create a new end-to-end route that bypasses both Flinders Street Station and the City Loop.

The project is entering its final phase, paving the way for passengers to experience the benefits of Victoria’s largest investment in metropolitan rail since the construction of the City Loop in the 1970s.

PTAANZ Chief Executive Lauren Streifer congratulated the Victorian Government on the completion of this visionary project, while highlighting the importance of continued investment in network-wide capacity and service improvement.

“The opening of the Metro Tunnel is a landmark moment for Melbourne, delivering substantial benefits for passengers across the city,” Ms Streifer said.

“Delivering infrastructure of this scale takes vision and courage and the Victorian Government should be commended for its investment in a project that will benefit Victorians for generations.

“The new stations are state-of-the-art, combining safety, design excellence and cutting-edge technology and the entire project is an extraordinary engineering achievement.

“Most importantly, the Metro Tunnel means more frequent services, fewer delays and a more reliable network, exactly what commuters need to make public transport their first choice.

“Every trip shifted from private vehicles to public transport is a step towards a more sustainable, liveable Melbourne and the Metro Tunnel is just the beginning.”

The Metro Tunnel not only adds significant capacity to Melbourne’s rail network, it also lays the foundation for future major transport connections.

“While the opening of the Metro Tunnel has been decades in the making, it represents just the start of the Victorian Government’s bold transport vision,” Ms Streifer said.

“The tunnel will form a critical link with the future Melbourne Airport Rail and connect with the Suburban Rail Loop, the most ambitious transport infrastructure project in Australia’s history.

“Together, these investments will ensure future generations enjoy the benefits of a world-class, accessible and people-focused public transport system.

“Bring on December and the Metro Tunnel opening.”