UPDATE: The highly anticipated Metro Tunnel in Melbourne has officially opened, marking a historic moment for commuters today, 30 November 2023. The first train from Sunbury entered the tunnel at 10:04 AM, drawing cheers from excited passengers who have waited nearly a decade for this moment.
Just before the inaugural journey, the first service departed Sunbury at 9:28 AM, with prominent officials including Premier Jacinta Allan and Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams onboard. Social media exploded with videos of jubilant passengers chanting “tunnel, tunnel, tunnel” as the train approached near South Kensington station. The atmosphere was electric, with cheers erupting as the train finally entered the tunnel.
“This project is about fairness,” said Premier Allan, highlighting the Metro Tunnel as the most significant change to Melbourne’s rail network in 40 years. She emphasized the benefits for commuters across the city, stating, “It means getting to work, uni, and home faster – saving you more time, wherever you live.”
Over the summer, Metro Tunnel services will operate between West Footscray and Westall stations every 20 minutes from 10 AM to 3 PM on weekdays, and from 10 AM to 7 PM on weekends. Some services will extend to Sunbury and East Pakenham. This initial timetable will remain in effect until 1 February, when the full integration of the tunnel into Melbourne’s rail network will occur, allowing the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines to run exclusively through it.
The opening of the Metro Tunnel represents a pivotal shift in Melbourne’s public transport landscape, promising to ease congestion and enhance connectivity for thousands of commuters. As the city celebrates, the focus now shifts to the upcoming ‘Big Switch’ in February, which will fully integrate this vital infrastructure project into everyday commuter life.
Stay tuned for more updates as Melbourne’s rail network transforms the way residents travel across the city!
