A local is calling for a rail connection to be built between Werribee and Wyndham Vale stations to make both Metro and V/Line services easier to reach and reduce car dependency in the area.
Carmela Joyce said residents in parts of Mambourin, Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes have limited options if they want to get to Werribee Station and the Metro service due to the traffic congestion.
“The roads and transport infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth,” Ms Joyce said.
“Residents rely on cars and currently our roads are no better with lack of additional river crossings and the single carriage ways.”
She said having a Metro service extended from Werribee to Wyndham Vale via a rail corridor would give commuters heading towards the city more flexibility.
“If you are travelling from Wyndham Vale Station and you miss a train– or there are delays or cancellations– there really is no viable option to get to Werribee station at any reasonable time.
“The car parks will be taken and the journey via the road at peak time will take as long as the next train or you can risk the bus getting you there.”
She also said the change would provide Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes residents with a way to easily access inner suburbs on the Werribee line, other than Footscray– which is already accessible via V/Line– without having to drive.
“Ultimately it is about providing our residents options, like many of our eastern suburb counterparts enjoy already.”
Ms Joyce said a rail corridor is also needed as it could help ease severe traffic congestion between Wyndham Vale and Werribee.
“Commuting is beyond terrible due to the single lanes on Ballan Road each way, so there are cars cutting through all the side streets only to find they then get stuck on the main road anyway,” she said.
“What should be a 10-15 minute drive often takes some 30-35 minutes and that is taking the side streets as well as Cottrell Street.
“All these cars are there because there really is no good alternative– drive or go nowhere.”
The Department of Transport and Planning was contacted.
