New tracks, better services and more staffed stations

Twenty new staffed Premium train stations, a fleet of 50 new low floor trams and four new stations in Melbourne’s growth areas are all part of the Brumby Labor Government’s 2010 State Budget $5.2 billion investment in Victoria’s public transport network.

The Minister for Public Transport Minister, Martin Pakula, said the 2010 State Budget balanced investment in securing the public transport network now with building for the future.

“The Brumby Labor Government is investing in vital services and building a better transport system so Victorians can spend more time with family and less time commuting,” Mr Pakula said.

“The Brumby Labor Government is securing the network today and building for the future.”

Mr Pakula said the 20 new Premium Staffed Stations, at a cost of $83.7 million, would be at: Seaford Station; Parkdale Station; Hallam Station; Prahran Station; Holmesglen Station; Upwey Station; Ormond Station; Westall Station; Chelsea Station; Windsor Station; Newmarket Station; Moonee Ponds Station; Hoppers Crossing Station; Carnegie Station; North Brighton Station; Lalor Station; Ginifer Station; East Richmond Station; Northcote Station; Highett Station. This increases the number of Premium Staffed Stations to 97.

“These 20 new Premium train stations will be staffed from first train to last, seven days a week,” Mr Pakula said.

“We know that Victorians are concerned about safety on public transport. That’s why the Brumby Labor Government is investing $83.7 million for 20 new Premium Stations.”

“It’s why we brought forward 50 new transit police for the network and why we’re giving the Chief Commissioner capacity to further boost transit police numbers with the Brumby Labor Government’s $673.6 million commitment to increase frontline police by 1 966 officers.”

In addition, train operator Metro will staff another 22 stations during the morning peak. Seven of these stations, which are close to schools, also will have a staff presence during the afternoons. The 22 stations are: Spotswood, West Footscray, Royal Park, Merlynston, Oak Park, Glenbervie, Strathmore, Pascoe Vale, Kensington, Tottenham, Canterbury, Burwood, Hawthorn, Gardiner, Dennis, Regent, Rosanna, Toorak, Hughesdale, Hawksburn, Sandown Park and McKinnon.

Mr Pakula said the 2010 State Budget also locked in the Brumby Labor Government’s $807.6 million investment in 50 new low floor trams and a new tram maintenance and storage depot at Preston.

“In the 12 months to December 2009, tram patronage was 179.1 million trips with an annual growth of 5.1 per cent,” Mr Pakula said.

“Work was already underway on delivering these 50 new low floor trams to the fleet, with two companies now tendering for the design and manufacture.

“When the fleet is fully rolled out, these trams will be capable of carrying around 10,000 people at any one time.

“The 2010 State Budget allows the Brumby Labor Government to complete an order for the tram fleet before the end of the year, with the first of the 50 trams to enter service in 2012-13.”

Mr Pakula said the 2010 State Budget delivered commitments made in the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan including:

• $37.7 million towards the total project cost of $188.5 million for the four new train stations in growth areas as announced earlier this year, with construction to start on all stations before the end of the year;
• $15.3 million over the next two years to upgrade more than 30 level crossings across Victoria;
• $22.8 million to continue the successful Transport Connections program which provides flexible and tailored transport links serving rural and smaller communities; and
• $4.3 billion brought to book for Regional Rail Link, the biggest addition to the rail network since the City Loop, which will deliver a brand new rail line through Melbourne’s growing west, two new stations at Wyndham Vale and at Tarneit and stand alone tracks for trains from Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo to improve capacity and reliability.

Mr Pakula said construction would start on all new growth area stations at Caroline Springs, Lynbrook, Cardinia Road and Williams Landing before the end of the year.

“Already the detailed design work has started on all four stations which will have full disability access, Park and Ride facilities, bike cages and CCTV,” Mr Pakula said.

As the roll-out of the 38 new trains continues, new stabling yards are under construction across the metropolitan network to improve the efficiency of the network and pave the way for more train services – at a cost of $440 million.

Mr Pakula said that as well as the four new stations funded in the 2010 State Budget, a new station at Coolaroo would open in June.

The rollout of the popular SmartBus network continues with the Red Orbital SmartBus between Altona and Mordialloc in operation and the Green Orbital between Chelsea and Airport West complete.

“Melbourne's bus network now carries more than 100 million passengers a year and we are delivering major improvements to improve the frequency of services and for longer operating hours,” Mr Pallas said.

The Minister for Community Development, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the Brumby Labor Government would invest $22.8 million in the Transport Connections project to provide reliable transport links to services, employment and other members of the community.

“The Brumby Labor Government believes that Victorians of all ages, no matter where they live, should not be isolated in their homes,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“Transport Connections complements traditional public transport services and helps people stay involved in their community.”