The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) expresses profound disappointment over the Victorian Government’s decision to cancel several modest yet impactful improvements to the state’s train and tram networks[1]. These projects, while relatively inexpensive, held the potential to significantly enhance passenger journeys and strengthen the functionality of Victoria’s public transport system.
Among the scrapped initiatives is the Gowrie Turnback, an infrastructure upgrade that would have enabled significantly increased service frequency on the Upfield Line. Currently, the line operates just one train every 15 minutes during peak hours—a stark contrast to both other Melbourne lines and global best practice. The Gowrie Turnback would have been a critical first step toward addressing this shortfall and paving the way for full duplication of the line in the future.
Another shelved project, the Park Street Link, was set to improve tram connectivity between St Kilda Road and the western edge of the CBD. This small but vital upgrade would have capitalised on reduced demand along the Swanston Street tram corridor—anticipated with the opening of the Metro Tunnel—and provided better connections for commuters travelling from Melbourne’s southern suburbs to a broader range of destinations.
The absence of a coherent, long-term plan for Victoria’s public transport system is deeply concerning. The last comprehensive Network Development Plan, released in 2012, is no longer being actively implemented. This lack of strategic direction threatens the integration and efficiency of the transport network, jeopardising opportunities to address today’s needs while planning for tomorrow’s challenges.
The PTUA calls on the Victorian Government to
- Reassess its decision to abandon these essential projects and prioritise their delivery
- Deliver train frequency upgrades to cut waiting times, particularly in non-peak periods, where the infrastructure allows it
- Update the 2012 Network Development Plan to establish a clear, forward-looking roadmap that balances visionary projects like the SRL with affordable, high-impact upgrades to existing infrastructure
Victorians deserve a public transport system that meets their current needs and prepares for future growth and challenges. It is time for decisive action to ensure our transport network delivers on its potential to serve communities across the state effectively and sustainably.
[1] The Age, 1/1/2025
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/metro-tunnel-promises-more-trains-more-often-but-will-it-deliver-20241211-p5kxj5.html
[2] PTV 2012 Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail
https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/