Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel is set to begin limited train services this week, marking a significant step towards easing congestion on the city’s rail network, though full operation won’t commence until 2025. The initial “summer start” will see a reduced timetable on the Caulfield to Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, running seven days a week, before a major system-wide changeover in 2025.
the phased approach aims to allow for a smooth transition and testing of the new infrastructure, but has already drawn criticism from the opposition, who argue the tunnel should be fully operational to address peak-hour demands. The $11 billion project, years in the making, promises to increase capacity on Melbourne’s busiest rail lines and create more frequent services, but passengers will need to wait for the “big switch” to realize the full benefits.
The limited services beginning this week will operate alongside the existing network,gradually increasing in frequency. transport officials have emphasized the importance of a cautious rollout to identify and resolve any potential issues before the complete integration of the new lines.
Opposition leader Brad Battin has voiced concerns about the timing of the launch, stating, “Most people go to work at about 9am and finish at about 5pm, and most [services] are either before or after that. It’s a real problem.” He argues the tunnel should deliver more services “as soon as its ready to go.”
Though, Victorian public transport advocate Daniel Bowen supports the staged implementation. “It makes sense to start off gently and then ramp it up over time,” Bowen said, adding that a cautious approach minimizes the risk of major disruptions. “The last thing they would want is some sort of major disruption due to infrastructure issues, causing a packed peak-hour train to get stuck in a tunnel and delaying thousands of passengers.”
The Metro Tunnel project includes five new underground stations – North Melbourne, Parkville, Anzac, Domain, and South Yarra – designed to untangle the congested City Loop and provide a more efficient rail system for Melbourne’s growing population. The full system upgrade in 2025 will see the lines through the tunnel become the primary routes for the Caulfield, Pakenham, and Cranbourne lines, freeing up capacity on the existing City Loop tracks.
