2022-08-23
Victorian commuters would experience a major boost in metropolitan train and tram services under a plan released today by the Greens.
Trains would run every ten minutes or even less across the majority of the network from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, and most would run every ten minutes in the early morning and evening.
Trams would run at peak-hour frequency all day from 7am to 7pm, and every ten minutes during off-peak times.
The plan has been independently costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and would require $821.5 million over the forward estimates.
Under the current Victorian Labor Government, commuters are having to wait up to 20 minutes for a train or tram across Melbourne.
The massive public transport boost is part of the Victorian Greens’ push to support people to make the switch to climate-friendly transport.
With transport being Victoria’s biggest growing source of carbon emissions, increasing the frequency of trains and trams will help reduce emissions from petrol-guzzling cars and make it easier to get around.
The Greens will also fast-track the planning of new tunnels and tracks needed to increase peak-hour services across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The massive boost to train and tram services is in addition to the Greens’ recently announced plan for solar-powered, high frequency bus networks across Melbourne and regional cities.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens transport spokesperson, Sam Hibbins MP:
“A massive increase in public transport services will make it easier for people to switch to cheaper and climate-friendly transport.
“Making commuters wait for up to 20 minutes for a train or tram is not acceptable in a world-class city like Melbourne.
“More trains and trams will cut climate-damaging transport emissions and make it easier and cheaper to get around our city.