After much anticipation, the Metro Tunnel is set to open this month, one year ahead of schedule. This project is the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s rail network in 40 years, with five new stations easing the pressure on the City Loop, and connecting passengers to more places like the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the University of Melbourne and the Shrine of Remembrance. The Metro Tunnel will open on Sunday November 30, one week earlier than previously announced. To celebrate the opening, there will be free public transport every weekend until Sunday February 1.
Metro Tunnel opening early in November
The Metro Tunnel was first announced in 2015, and soon, we’ll be able to see it in action. The new stations (Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac), will allow more trains to run more often on more lines.
High-capacity signalling has been rolled out across the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines, so passengers can just turn up and go. There will be extra services, so travellers on these three lines can choose either their usual City Loop service or a new Metro Tunnel service.
Services through the Metro Tunnel will run every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm on weekdays, and from 10am to 7pm on weekends between Westall and West Footscray, with some weekend services extending to East Pakenham and Sunbury.
You can change between the City Loop and the Metro Tunnel via pedestrian connections at Flinders Street and Melbourne Central.
The Big Switch
Then, from February 1, the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury Lines will come out of the City Loop and run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel. There will be a new timetable, and over 1,000 extra weekly services.
The Frankston line will return to the City Loop, and there will be a new timetable for the whole network, including buses, trams, regional and metropolitan trains.
If you’re keen to check it out on opening day, please note that large crowds are expected, so it’s best to plan ahead and allow for extra time. Take it easy and admire the architecture and atmosphere.
For more details, click here.
