The Melbourne Metro Tunnel will significantly commence its operations by early December of 2025, delivering a quicker, more frequent connection through five new underground stations set to change travel across the city for good.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Melbourne Metro Tunnel to Open for Passengers in December 2025
Image: Victorian Government

Melbourne Metro Tunnel Launch Marks a Historic Shift

It will have a “soft opening,” running trains between West Footscray and Westall during weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Services will operate at a frequency of 20 minutes, and services of East Pakenham and Sunbury Trains will run at a frequency of 40 to 60 minutes. City Loop or new tunnel will be available for passengers on Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines.

Soon, a new schedule will be rolled out by the Victorian Government to relocate these services permanently through the Metro Tunnel. The proposal includes incrementing more than 1,000 weekly services on the Sunbury Line and more than 100 on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines.

Frankston Line trains resume running through City Loop, and Werribee and Williamstown trains run direct to and from Flinders Street, increasing network versatility.

Melbourne Metro Tunnel Boosts Capacity and Sustainability

When running in its full configuration, commuters between Dandenong and West Footscray will enjoy a train every 10 minutes a day, depending on peak-hour intervals of three to four minutes apart. Authorities state the gradual process gives time to trial infrastructure, train staff, and condition passengers to work with the system prior to the great 2025 timetable shake-up.

Public Transport Association CEO Lauren Streifer welcomed the Metro Tunnel as “a landmark moment for Melbourne,” signalling its potential for delivering a sustainable, high-capacity network. She added that new stations are designed with state-of-the-art technologies and modern designs for easy access and protection of all commuters.

The new projects will accelerate more people shifting to public transport for longer distances, relieving congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Eventually, it’s a $11 billion infrastructure spend being the city’s greatest rail development of a period of 40 years — linking communities, building stronger resilience, and facilitating Melbourne’s long-term growth.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

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When will the Melbourne Metro Tunnel open to passengers?

The Melbourne Metro Tunnel will open in early December 2025, starting with a soft launch before a full network integration next year.

How will the Melbourne Metro Tunnel improve train services?

It will reduce travel times, increase train frequency, and introduce over 1,000 new weekly services on major lines across the network.

What makes the Melbourne Metro Tunnel important for the city?

The project expands capacity, improves reliability, and supports sustainable transport — marking the biggest upgrade since the City Loop opened 40 years ago.

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