Melbourne’s new Arden station is gearing up for its first passengers later this year, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious $15 billion Metro Tunnel project. Station master Christine Rodrigues is leading the charge to ensure operations run seamlessly as the station prepares to welcome travelers from the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines.
While an exact opening date remains unconfirmed, the Allan government assures that the nine-kilometre tunnel connecting Kensington and South Yarra will be operational by the end of 2024. Rodrigues is currently involved in rigorous testing and trial programs to ensure readiness for the launch. This includes practicing daily operations and simulating emergency scenarios with drills involving up to 600 participants.
“We’ve had trains that have actually stopped in the tunnel, and we’ve been able to get passengers safely to the dedicated routes to get them out,” Rodrigues explains. “Now we’re in a good position to be able to direct passengers – we know exactly where everything is.”
Innovative Features Enhance Safety and Efficiency
The station, located in North Melbourne, boasts impressive dimensions with platforms measuring 15 metres wide and 220 metres long. According to Rodrigues, passengers will notice a stark difference in scale compared to the existing City Loop stations.
A significant upgrade at Arden is the introduction of platform screen doors. These enhance safety by preventing individuals or objects from falling onto the tracks while also minimizing noise from approaching trains. Additionally, an information display above these doors will provide real-time crowding levels in each carriage of the approaching train, helping passengers to board less crowded cars.
“This helps us to move trains quicker and more safely, providing passengers with a more comfortable journey,” Rodrigues adds.
Trains operating through the five Metro Tunnel stations will utilize advanced high-capacity signalling technology. This system enables precise stopping, ensuring that trains align perfectly with the platform screen doors. Lloyd Salas, general manager of passenger readiness at Metro Trains, highlights that this state-of-the-art signalling allows for more frequent train services, potentially as often as every three minutes.
“High-capacity signalling automatically controls the distance between trains,” Salas notes. “When the train pulls up, it will line up perfectly with the doors, and the doors will open.”
Extensive Testing Ensures Readiness
The new signalling has been undergoing extensive testing since its initial roll-out nearly two years ago, primarily on above-ground tracks between Clayton and South Yarra. Salas reported that trains have already covered over 200,000 kilometres during the testing program, providing a wealth of data to enhance operational safety and efficiency.
Behind the scenes, the five Metro Tunnel stations will be monitored by a network of 2,800 CCTV cameras, relaying information to control rooms where staff maintain constant communication with platform personnel. This system integrates with a high-tech SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) network, which oversees nearly 13,000 devices throughout the stations, including escalators and fire systems.
“It’s got eyes and ears on everything,” Salas states, emphasizing that the comprehensive monitoring allows for swift responses to any incidents.
As preparations continue, Metro officials are fine-tuning the operations to ensure that all systems work harmoniously on the first day of service. Salas describes the current phase as one of meticulous organization, where processes, personnel, and new technologies are aligned for a smooth launch.
“We’re bringing everything together, from a new timetable to people readiness to introducing new assets,” Salas explains. “Crossing the Ts and dotting the Is to ensure everything is in place.”
The state government has not confirmed specific opening plans, but reports suggest a “soft opening” is anticipated in November 2024, with limited services followed by a full timetable slated for early 2026.
Rodrigues expresses pride in her role at one of Melbourne’s newest and most notable stations. The station’s exterior features a striking artwork by multidisciplinary artist Abdul Abdullah, depicting two silver hands reaching toward each other—a universal symbol of welcome.
“That is really a welcome sign, and that is what I want to tell all of Melbourne,” Rodrigues says, capturing the spirit of connection that the new station aims to foster.
