Tara Murray
Craigieburn and Upfield passengers will benefit from more frequent trains following the announcement of extra train services from January 31.
An additional 450 train services will run every week across the state under a timetable redesign aimed at boosting capacity.
There will be an extra 280 new metropolitan train services and 170 regional services each week, giving commuters more options and providing more space for physical distancing.
The new timetable will deliver greater frequency during peak times in metropolitan Melbourne – increasing trains during busy morning and afternoon periods to encourage passengers to stagger their weekday travel.
The new services will increase capacity on the Upfield, Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Frankston, Werribee, Williamstown and Sunbury lines.
Extra weekday services on the Craigieburn, Sunbury and Werribee lines will mean passengers will have a train at least every 10 minutes for more than three hours in the busy morning and afternoon peaks.
In another boost for train users, those who travel during quieter times, will benefit from discounts to off-peak fares.
Those who use trains between 9.30am and 4pm or after 7pm on weekdays will receive a 30 per cent discount for three months from January 31.
Bus timetables are also set to be rejigged to ensure that buses and trains connect.
There will be changes to 320 suburban bus routes before April 11, 2021, 40 V/line coaches to be realligned with the new train timetable from January 31.
Tar Murray
