Northern commuters are on track for a smoother ride, with the state government announcing a major pre-budget investment in the Seymour Line to deliver more services, upgraded trains and better infrastructure.
An extra morning and afternoon peak service will be added to the line– part of a nearly $5 billion boost to public transport across the state– in a move expected to cut travel times and ease congestion for locals travelling to and from Melbourne.
Wallan and Kalkallo, two of the fastest-growing communities in the outer north, are set to benefit.
“Additional peak services on the Seymour Line will boost connections to jobs, healthcare, and education for growing communities such as Wallan and Kalkallo,” Kalkallo MP Ros Spence said.
The plan also includes replacing ageing Sprinter trains with the newer, more accessible VLocity fleet.
It’s the latest in a string of upgrades following last year’s $9.4 million signalling improvements between Seymour and Craigieburn.
“This is great news for the Seymour Line–more services and better trains mean locals can get where they need to go, faster and more comfortably,” Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage said.
The Seymour Line has surged in popularity since the regional fare cap– now just $11 return– with more than 1.2 million trips taken since its introduction.
“Additional services in peak times…will give local commuters more options…and help reduce overcrowding on carriages,” added Victoria MP Jaclyn Symes.
