By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THIRTY-SEVEN new high-capacity trains will boost capacity on the busy Pakenham-Cranbourne line by up to 42 per cent according to State Labor who yesterday dumped the previous government’s $2.5 billion rail upgrade.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the government will also remove nine level crossings from Melbourne’s busiest train line and rebuild four stations.
Mr Andrews, who lives in the state’s south-east, vows to help ease residents’ morning commute by fixing “nightmare” congestion at level crossings along the Pakenham-Cranbourne line.
“The boom gates between Dandenong and Caulfield stay down for up to 80 minutes over the morning peak.
“If we don’t act now, transport in the south-east will eventually grind to a halt.”
The upgrade, which includes high capacity power and signalling upgrades and a maintenance facility in Pakenham, will accommodate 11,000 extra passengers during the morning peak and free up other existing trains.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said eased traffic congestion will improve travel times as well as provide a number of local jobs.
“Removing level crossings will create Victorian jobs.
“Building trains locally will protect Victorian jobs.
“This helps our transport system and our economy.”
Road user Sharon said she hopes “all level crossings in Pakenham are removed” in the near future, citing works at McGregor Road as urgent – along with others on the Pakenham-Berwick Gazette’s Facebook page.
Labor will rebuild stations at Clayton, Carnegie, Murrumbeena and Hughesdale and remove all level crossings between Dandenong and Caulfield.
The multi-billion dollar plan flies in the face of the previous government’s plan which vowed to introduce 12 less trains, remove four level crossings and rebuild three new stations.
Greens’ transport spokesperson Samantha Dunn said overcrowding on the busy line is a major, ongoing issue.
“The real test is what does the upcoming budget deliver to commuters on these lines who are still standing in overcrowded conditions for far too long,” she said.
