Caroline Springs railway station welcomed its first passengers on Monday.
The long-awaited new stop will be serviced by more than 280 trains a week, pulling in every 30 minutes on average in peak times, and every hour on average off-peak.
Bus services have also been upgraded, with route 460 extended from the town centre to the new station. A secure bike cage close to the platform encourages cyclists to catch the train as well.
The project initially began in 2009, but was put on hold following the 2010 state election – construction finally started again in 2014.
Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz said the station was a long awaited asset for Caroline Springs’ residents.
“Locals have been waiting a long time for this station and we have delivered it – because we care about public transport and we care about people,” she said.
“After years of delay and excuses under the former Liberal government we’ve delivered Caroline Springs station, connecting this growing community to the train network for the first time.”
The new station also marks the start of works to transform the Ballarat V/Line service, with a $518 million investment that will duplicate the line to Melton, creating space for more services, more often, through Melbourne’s west.
