- Published:
- Tuesday 13 March 2018
The Andrews Labor Government will put in place additional support for Gippsland passengers ahead of the upcoming disruption due to major power, signalling and track upgrades on the Cranbourne Pakenham corridor.
A number of measures will be trialled to provide passengers with more reliable services, free wi-fi and better passenger information.
From Tuesday 3 April, three morning and evening weekday express coach services will operate from Warragul to Drouin, then direct to the CBD – with the aim of reducing the additional travel time passengers are currently experiencing from 60 minutes to 30 minutes.
The services will operate direct to Parliament station, enabling passengers to connect to the metropolitan train network and tram services within the Free Tram Zone in the CBD.
Passengers on the express coach services will also be able use their phones and tablets, with free wi-fi to be trialled on these coach replacements.
There will be a review of the trial at the end of the Autumn construction blitz to inform planning for future disruptions.
The Labor Government will also provide monthly updates about upcoming disruptions so passengers can plan their travel accordingly.
Power, signalling, track and communications upgrades associated with the level crossing removals and preparation for new high capacity trains on the Cranbourne Pakenham corridor is the current cause of disruption for passengers.
These metropolitan upgrades will also see improvements to reliability and performance for Gippsland line services in the shared part of the corridor.
Passengers can get up to date information about disruptions and plan their journey at ptv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We know these works are disruptive, so we are taking action to give people faster and more direct services to the CBD.”
“We’re providing a record investment across the network to deliver more reliable services – but I understand it has been a frustrating period for Gippsland line passengers and I thank them for their patience and understanding.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We’re determined to fix the long-standing challenges along the line and to better support Gippsland commuters during these scheduled works – these changes are intended to increase amenity, improve travelling conditions and reduce delays while these necessary upgrades and works continue.”