The Andrews Labor Government has revealed the first stage of the Bendigo Metro project and announced two extra peak hour services for Bendigo starting in January next year.
Minister for Public Transport and local Labor Member, Jacinta Allan, joined Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards, and representatives from V/Line, PTV and the Bendigo Metro Taskforce to announce the extra services today.
From 31 January, Bendigo will get an extra morning and evening peak service: at 7:00am from Epsom to Melbourne and at 4:02pm from Southern Cross Station to Bendigo.
At the same time, a number of services will be extended from Bendigo to Epsom and Eaglehawk as part of the first stage of the Bendigo Metro project.
This will provide 10 extra weekday services to Epsom Station and an extra evening service to Eaglehawk. All weekday trains between Bendigo and Melbourne will also now stop at Kangaroo Flat.
These extra services to Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat will be supported by improvements including:
- an additional platform shelter and PA system at Epsom Station
- platform improvements at Eaglehawk Station and $30,000 to the City of Greater Bendigo for the development of a station precinct masterplan
- new bike cage and platform canopies at Kangaroo Flat Station. Improvements to car parking at Kangaroo Flat will also be investigated.
The improvements announced today are the result of extensive consultation with local passengers and residents, led by the Bendigo Metro Community Consultative Taskforce and Technical Working Group.
The Labor Government also released its response to the Taskforce’s recommendations today. The Recommendations Report, and the Government’s response, is available at economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au.
The changes will be introduced as part of the V/Line timetable adjustment on Sunday 31 January 2016, and will coincide with the introduction of the new Bendigo bus network announced last week.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re delivering more services for Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat, and for every Bendigo passenger in peak hour.”
“With more and more people using trains in and around Bendigo, these extra services are desperately needed. After four years of complete inaction, we’re delivering extra services for a growing Bendigo.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards
“These extra services are a massive win for Bendigo, and are the culmination of extensive consultation and engagement with local residents and passengers.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is listening to locals and delivering the extra services they need to get home safer and sooner, every day.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021