Western suburbs MPs of three major parties say they will lobby for improved train services for Altona Loop commuters in the lead-up to the November 29 state election.
The Werribee line, which splits at Newport, received extra services in 2011 with trains timetabled to run every 10 to 12 minutes. However, Altona Loop commuters had peak-hour trains cut to one every 22 minutes and became the only people in Melbourne who had to change trains up to three times to the City Loop.
The Greens have given the strongest pre-election commitment to commuters, with Western Metropolitan upper house MP Colleen Hartland vowing to undertake an Altona Loop partial duplication feasibility study.
She said consultants URS had estimated a feasibility study would cost $36,000.
“While this study will determine the most cost-effective duplication design, it has been estimated it will cost between $10-12 million to deliver this project,” she said. “Based on these preliminary figures, the Greens are committed to delivering this project, which will enable a reliable train every 10 minutes.”
Liberal MP Andrew Elsbury said that he raised the possibility of timetable changes last month.
“In the Parliament, I raised the compounding issues faced by the commuters on the Altona Loop, highlighting possible solutions through additional infrastructure, improved communication and raising the possibility of timetable changes,” he said.
Altona MP and ALP public transport spokeswoman Jill Hennessy said Labor was committed to more services.
“A new timetable brought about by the beginning of services on the Regional Rail Link project provides an opportunity to deliver this goal and rectify the cuts to loop services put in place in 2011,” she said.
“Labor has also committed to removing 50 of our worst level crossings, including on Kororoit Creek Road, North Williamstown, Cherry Street, Werribee, and Werribee Street, Werribee, all of which will improve efficiency across the rail line.”
