Ms Kosky said the addition of stabling yards, better disabled access and increased security would offer improved public transport services for Cranbourne commuters.

‘’The new train storage facility can accommodate six trains and will eliminate empty train movements from other stabling locations across the metropolitan rail network,” Ms Kosky said.

“This will ultimately allow us to increase the number of services from Cranbourne.

“The Brumby Government has made this $37 million project a high priority because it can deliver early capacity and reliability improvements for the whole Dandenong rail corridor.”

Parliamentary Secretary, Rob Hudson, inspecting the works today, said commuters had already benefited from the completed Park and Ride facility at Cranbourne and further improvements would increase accessibility and security at the station.

Member for Cranbourne, Jude Perera said extra services would be welcome but alerted commuters that the works would cause some disruption on the weekend of 28-31 March.

“Replacement bus services between Cranbourne, Merinda Park and Dandenong will operate all weekend,” Mr Perera said.

“There will also be work on the platform at Cranbourne station.

“We thank customers for their patience while these important works are carried out, which will deliver long term benefits to train passengers along the rail corridor.”

Mr Perera said progress on the project confirms the Brumby Government’s commitment to improving public transport for Melbourne’s south-east.

Ms Kosky said the Dandenong rail corridor project was part of the Government’s 10-year, $10.5 billion blueprint, Meeting Our Transport Challenges.

“The Brumby Government is investing heavily in public transport infrastructure to meet the needs of all Victorians,” Ms Kosky said.

Works on the Cranbourne stabling and station upgrade project are expected to be completed by 2009.