Metro Trains Take Over New Tunnel Stations

The keys to the first three completed stations on the Allan Labor Government’s Metro Tunnel Project—Arden, Parkville, and Anzac—have been officially handed over to Metro Trains. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This marks a significant step toward the tunnel’s opening later this year. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams visited Parkville Station to meet with Metro Trains staff, who will begin trial operations.

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The transfer of station management from the builder to the Government represents a major milestone in the project’s completion. This handover is more than just a symbolic gesture. It allows Victoria’s rail workers to begin managing station assets and systems, preparing for the upcoming launch.

In addition to the station handover, trains have now covered over 100,000 kilometers inside the Metro Tunnel—equivalent to two-and-a-half trips around the Earth’s circumference. Testing, which began in mid-2023, continues to ensure that all systems and equipment perform as intended.

As testing progresses, disruptions are expected along the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines on April 14, 15, and 17. Meanwhile, work continues on the final two stations, Town Hall and State Library, located beneath Melbourne’s Central Business District.

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The Metro Tunnel will introduce five new underground stations, marking the largest upgrade to Melbourne’s train network since the City Loop opened in 1981. This development promises to reduce congestion and improve travel times for commuters.

It’s important to remember that while the Liberals once labeled the Metro Tunnel a “hoax” and refused to fund it, Labor committed to the project. Labor funded, built, and will now open it.

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Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized, “The Metro Tunnel will ease congestion and help commuters reach their destinations faster. We’ve received the keys, and now our rail workers can begin final preparations for passenger operations.”

Minister Gabrielle Williams highlighted, “This project will revolutionize our city, providing increased capacity for services and connecting Victorians to essential destinations like jobs, education, and healthcare.”

Williams also noted the Liberals’ lack of support during their time in office, stating, “The Victorian Liberals abandoned the project and cut funding. They would do the same again if given the chance, showing their lack of commitment to public transport.”

Source: www.nationaltribune.com.au

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