It’s been a couple of months since the Metro Tunnel opened, and now that we’ve all had some time to adjust, it will be fully integrated into the wider train network. Known as the Big Switch, the new timetable will feature a number of changes. The Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will all run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel, and there will be broader changes to the network as a result. These timetable changes from the Big Switch come into effect on Sunday February 1.
The Big Switch — a new train timetable for Melbourne
One thousand new weekly services will be added to the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, allowing travellers to simply turn-up-and-go. During peak times, a train will arrive at each of the Metro Tunnel Stations (Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac) up to every three minutes. Between 6am and 9pm, trains will run at least every 10 minutes between Watergardens and Dandenong stations in both directions.
The Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will no longer go through the City Loop. If you need to change trains between the Metro Tunnel and the City Loop, you’ll find underground connections between Flinders Street Station and Town Hall Station, and Melbourne Central Station and State Library Station. You won’t need to tap on or off to make these connections. If you’re going between these stations and not catching a train, you can walk through for free. If you tap your myki on, just tap off within 15 minutes to avoid a fare.
Meanwhile, the Frankston line will run through the City Loop. The Werribee and Williamstown will temporarily run directly to Flinders Street, before connecting to the Sandringham line later in the year.
Over 270 bus and coach timetables will also be updated during the Big Switch. Regional passengers will also experience changes, with 18 new services on the Traralgon line, ten new services on the Seymour line and four new services on the Echuca line.
To see all the different ways the train network is changing, click here. To start planning your journey, click here.