Key Takeaways:
- The Melbourne Metro Tunnel has officially opened, with the first train running from Sunbury to the city
- The project has improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities, with level platforms and easy access to trains
- Despite some teething issues, passengers have praised the new stations and the convenience they offer
- The project has been a major undertaking, with a budget of $10.9 billion that blew out to $13.48 billion
- The state government is hailing the project as a success, while the opposition is criticizing the cost blowouts and perceived mismanagement
Introduction to the Metro Tunnel
The Melbourne Metro Tunnel has finally opened, with the first train running from Sunbury to the city on Sunday. Passengers were excited to be a part of this historic moment, with many traveling from across the city to catch the inaugural train. Ryan Bilszta and his 8-year-old daughter Hannah were among those who traveled from Pascoe Vale to ride the first train, eager to be a part of this momentous occasion. "These are memories," Bilszta said as the train approached the tunnel entrance. "For the minimal effort involved and for the historical significance, it’s something that you wouldn’t miss."
Accessibility Improvements
One of the key benefits of the new Metro Tunnel is the improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities. Catherine Beck, a self-declared "train nerd" who uses a mobility walker and sometimes a wheelchair, was particularly interested in the accessibility improvements in the five new stations. She was impressed to find that the platforms line up level with the train carriages, making it easy for her to alight at Anzac station without assistance. "Getting off here was so easy compared to the likes of Southern Cross, where you need to have the driver actually come out and pull the ramp out," Beck said. This improved accessibility is a major win for passengers with disabilities, who will now be able to travel more easily and independently.
Teething Issues
Despite the excitement and fanfare surrounding the opening of the Metro Tunnel, there were some teething issues that emerged over the course of the day. Escalators broke down temporarily at Parkville and Town Hall stations, and passengers were unable to board one train at Anzac after a train overshot the platform, preventing the platform screen doors from opening. Additionally, a false fire alarm at the South Yarra entrance delayed services by about 25 minutes. However, these issues were relatively minor and did not detract from the overall excitement and sense of achievement that surrounded the opening of the tunnel.
Political Fallout
The opening of the Metro Tunnel has also been marked by political fallout, with the opposition criticizing the cost blowouts and perceived mismanagement of the project. The project was budgeted at $10.9 billion, but the cost to Victoria blew out to $13.48 billion. The total project expenditure sits at around $15 billion, including contributions from the Cross Yarra Partnership construction consortium. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said she sees $3 billion in cost blowouts when she looks at the Metro Tunnel. "The premier today might be taking Victorians for a ride, but she is taking them for a ride every single day when it comes to the waste and the financial mismanagement of this state," she said.
Future Plans
Despite the criticism, the state government is hailing the Metro Tunnel as a success and is already looking to the future. Deputy Premier Ben Carroll noted that opening the tunnel "brings us one more step closer to delivering the Melbourne Airport rail", a long-delayed project that would include a new station in Carroll’s electorate in Keilor East. Public Transport Users Association spokesperson Daniel Bowen said Victorians needed to see the yet-to-be released timetable for February 1 onwards before they can judge the tunnel’s utility. He also encouraged the state government to invest in more frequent services on other lines to make the most of extra capacity freed up in the City Loop. "There’s no doubt when you improve public transport, more people use it," Bowen said. "A big project like this… will increase patronage, but it also shows the interest people have in these big city-shaping projects. Hopefully, there are more of them coming soon."
Conclusion
The opening of the Melbourne Metro Tunnel is a major milestone for the city, and marks the culmination of years of planning and construction. While there have been some teething issues and political fallout, the project has been widely praised for its improved accessibility and convenience. As the city looks to the future, it is clear that the Metro Tunnel will play a major role in shaping the city’s transport network and improving the lives of commuters. With its improved accessibility and increased capacity, the Metro Tunnel is set to become a vital part of Melbourne’s transport infrastructure, and will help to make the city a more livable and sustainable place for years to come.
