The new timetable for the train networks ‘Big Switch’ has been released, with the state government saying it will deliver more than one thousand extra weekly services.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams released the new timetable on Monday 12 January ahead of the Big Switch on Sunday 1 February, so passengers can find out how their journey will change and where to interchange when new services are added on 1 February.
“We’re excited for passengers to be able to enjoy more of the benefits of the Metro Tunnel with more than one thousand extra services being added from February in the biggest change to our network in 40 years,” Ms Williams said.
The Big Switch will integrate the new Metro Tunnel into the wider transport network, with thousands of individual timetable changes at once.
This will include the first of 260 new bus timetables to better connect to Metro Tunnel services.
All services on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will switch to run exclusively through the new tunnel and 1000 new weekly services will be added to these lines to kick off a turn-up-and-go network.
During the peak, a train will arrive at each of the new Metro Tunnel stations up to every three minutes.
Trains will run at least every 10 minutes between Watergardens and Dandenong stations in both directions between 6am to 9pm.
On 1 February, the Frankston Line will also return to the City Loop, while Werribee and Williamstown lines will temporarily run directly to Flinders Street before connecting with the Sandringham Line later in the year to form a new cross-city service.
The state government said the Big Switch is just the first installment of more services that will be added to the network – with more frequent services across the network to come from the middle of the year including on the Werribee, Sandringham, Craigieburn and Upfield lines.
Details: https://transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/metro-tunnel/more-ways-to-move
