An independent transport organisation has called for the state government to replace the Suburban Rail Loop with an east-west rail that would include five new stations between Werribee, Wyndham Vale and Deer Park.
The Rail Futures Institute (RFI) believes the east-west rail will redress the disparity in public transport supply between Melbourne’s outer west, and eastern and southern suburbs, and is needed far more urgently than the Suburban Rail Loop.
One proposal says the suggested new stations will fill gaps where residential development is occurring in Truganina, Werribee and parts of Tarneit.
Wyndham mayor Peter Maynard said council believes better rail connectivity between Wyndham and the wider metropolitan area will improve access to employment, economic and educational opportunities.
“Our priority is for the delivery of additional train stations, with Sayers Road Station in Tarneit West needed as soon as possible, to meet commuter demand in our growth areas,” he said.
“That’s why we have strongly advocated for improved services and new rail stations.”
A Western Rail Plan, which would see a new dedicated track between Werribee and Laverton for Geelong trains that would cut travel time by about 15 minutes, was announced by the state government in 2018.
But a written statement from RFI said there had been “little evident progress since”.
Cr Maynard said the municipality needed the connection between the Wyndham Vale and Werribee Line proposed in the Western Rail Plan.
“This will also support the line’s integration with the Geelong Fast Rail and better connect Melbourne’s western suburbs to regional and metropolitan opportunities,” he said.
“It will better connect key western suburban and regional centres – making it easier to travel to jobs, businesses and community services in Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne’s West.”
A government spokeswoman said the government had started works on the Suburban Rain Loop, while simultaneously delivering “massive upgrades” to roads and rail in Melbourne’s west.
“Metro Tunnel, Suburban Rail Loop, the Western Rail Plan, Eastern Express Busway and our ongoing investment in the current public transport network is transforming the way Victorians move around the city,” the spokeswoman said.
