Melbourne’s rail network is about to undergo its biggest shake-up in decades, with the Victorian state government unveiling the Metro Tunnel Big Switch timetable that will add more than 1,000 extra train services each week and change how half of all commuters move around the city.
The new timetable comes into effect on Sunday 1 February and marks the full integration of the Metro Tunnel into Victoria’s train network. Passengers can now check how their journeys will change, including where to interchange as new services roll out.
The Big Switch brings thousands of timetable changes online at once. All services on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will move exclusively through the Metro Tunnel, delivering the first stage of a turn-up-and-go network. During peak times, trains will arrive at the five new Metro Tunnel stations as often as every three minutes, with services running at least every 10 minutes between Watergardens and Dandenong from 6am to 9pm.
The changes also see Frankston line services return to the City Loop, improving CBD access for one of Melbourne’s busiest corridors. Werribee and Williamstown line trains will temporarily run direct to Flinders Street before forming a new cross-city service with the Sandringham line later this year.
Regional passengers will also see benefits, with extra services added to key lines. This includes 18 additional services on the Traralgon line, 10 on the Seymour line and four on the Echuca line, improving access to the new stations.
The Big Switch is just the beginning, with more service increases planned from mid-year across lines including Werribee, Sandringham, Craigieburn and Upfield.
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