I know how frustrating it can be when we have to start off the day running late because of public transport.
Safe, efficient and timely public transport is critical to getting people where they need to go and getting more cars off the roads. It’s good for commuters, reducing congestion - and importantly it’s good for the environment.
That is why, as the local Member for Northcote, I am proud to be part of a government that values public transport.
We have undertaken the biggest public transport overhaul in our state’s history, and are continuing to invest in transformative projects, including on the Mernda and Hurstbridge lines.
On the Mernda line we have increased services to accommodate the outbound extension completed in 2018. This includes 45 extra peak trains, and 70 daytime and evening services, creating room for an additional 115,000 passengers. In August, 2018, the Government further announced that it would add an extra five services during the peak period to the Mernda line.
Since 2014, we have also added 41 extra weekly services to the Hurstbridge line to meet demand.
However, when it comes to our train network, it is clear that at the moment the system still suffers from both capacity and timeliness issues – which I see as interconnected. In order to increase the number of trains on our local lines, two things need to happen – more capacity in the city loop and less level crossings.
Level crossings mean that busy roads are shut for up to 40 seconds in every minute during peak times. Getting rid of them means that more trains can run more often as congestion points are alleviated. This is why the Andrews Government has committed to getting rid of 75 level crossings.
Last year we delivered the Grange Road level crossing removal on the Hurstbridge line, with new pedestrian bridges built across the trench at Hamilton Street and Fulham Road.
On the Mernda line, five more level crossing are set to go with major works starting in Preston in 2020 and crossings at Murray Road, Bell Street, Cramer and Oakover Road also in the pipeline.
As part of this project, new stations will be built at Preston and Bell with improved amenities for pedestrians and cyclists. Throughout this project, I will be working closely with residents to understand your concerns and vision for these spaces and ensure positive outcomes for our community.
In 2020, we will also be starting Stage Two of the Hurstbridge Line Upgrade in 2020, with work to be completed by 2022. The upgrade will duplicate 4.5 kilometres of single track beyond Greensborough, facilitating more services on the line. It will also include a major upgrade of the Clifton Hill junction where the Mernda and Hurstbridge lines connect.
Completion of Stage Two of the Hurstbridge Line Upgrade will enable even more train services to run during the morning peak on both the Hurstbridge and Mernda lines.
Large scale transformation takes time but we know they will be worth the wait.
