Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said Deer Park station which is served by frequent V/Line services was growing in popularity with commuters and would be improved to bring it to the standard of other suburban train stations.

“The Brumby Government is committed to improving public transport links in Melbourne’s west and the upgrade to the station will improve passenger amenity with almost 80 new car parks, improved lighting and signage, CCTV and improved accessibility,” Ms Kosky said.

“This is a massive boost for Deer Park passengers and these improvements will be a real and measurable sign of the Brumby Government’s commitment to improving rail services and facilities right around Victoria.”

Ms Kosky said with growing patronage on regional trains, the Brumby Government was investing in new rolling stock, train refurbishments and station improvements.

“In the past two years the number of passengers travelling to and from Deer Park has doubled, which is no doubt a reflection of how well our investment in the regional rail network has been received,” Ms Kosky said.

“We recognise that we need to continue to meet growing demand which is why we are purchasing an additional 22 middle carriages for use with the Vlocity train fleet, with the first of these carriages due to enter service next month

“And we recognise we need to provide passengers with modern and accessible transport facilities, which is why we are investing in station upgrades such as this.

“We are also continuing to invest in bus and coach services, with a particular focus on improving the connectivity of the network.

“We have been extending bus routes and operating hours, and in May last year bus route 451 which operates between Deer Park North and Sunshine had its operating hours extended to 9pm, seven days a week.

“We will continue to invest in services and infrastructure improvements that make it easy for passengers to leave the car at home and catch a train, bus or coach service.”

The project will be funded through the Brumby Government’s existing public transport fund.