Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the Cranbourne station upgrade and stabling for six trains would be delivered on time and on budget and said the 400 additional spaces would add to the 90 already delivered as part of the station upgrade.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network. I am really pleased we are able to increase the size of the car park as I know patronage on the line is growing rapidly,” Ms Kosky said.

“Cranbourne currently has about 292 parking spaces, but we are more than doubling capacity with over 400 new spaces meaning more than 700 spaces once complete.”

Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera said local commuters were the winners benefiting from station improvements and also more parking.

“This is a positive example of the Brumby Government responding to the needs of commuters and local residents,” Mr Perera said.

“This is great news for local commuters who combine a car and train journey to get to and from the city.”

The $37 million Cranbourne Stabling and Station Upgrade is stage one of the Dandenong Rail Corridor Project and involves the upgrade of the existing Cranbourne station as well as a new storage facility for six trains and works are expected to be completed by 2009.

“The Dandenong rail corridor services 15 per cent of Melbourne’s population and that’s why we made Cranbourne a priority transport investment and the stabling will improve efficiency on the line,” Mr Perera said.

“Commuters using the station will have improved access commuters will also benefit from security upgrades and increased accessibility, including the paving of informal paths to allow easier pedestrian access to the station.”

Ms Kosky said the Government strove to balance the need for parking while offering local residents the choice to catch bus services to the station.

“We have made a multi-million investment upgrading Cranbourne’s bus network with four routes offering extended operating hours linking the station to Frankston, Dandenong and Narre Warren,” Ms Kosky said.

“Buses provide crucial cross town links between Melbourne’s radial rail network and connect people to shops, schools and jobs. This Government is committed to providing residents a choice to leave their car at home and use public transport.”