Big Switch to signal final phase of Metro Tunnel integration

THE statewide weekend free-for-all-comers public transport scheme known as The Summer Start ends on the last day of this month to make way for what the State Government has colloquially dubbed The Big Switch.

From Sunday 1 February the new Metro Tunnel system will be fully integrated into Melbourne’s wider PT network and will include the introduction of high-frequency “turn up and go” services across the city.

As of then the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will run exclusively through the nine-kilometre twin Metro tunnels, supported by a new timetable (taking in buses, trams, regional and metropolitan trains) and more than 1000 extra weekly services.

The Big Switch is also the day when Frankston line services return to the City Loop.

Werribee and Williamstown trains will also no longer cross the city via the Frankston Line, running direct to and from Flinders Street Station.

A statement from Premier Jacinta Allan described the Switch as “a massive change that will cause flow-on effects to the whole system”.

“The Metro Tunnel is the biggest transformation of Melbourne’s rail network in more than 40 years and frees up space in the City Loop to run more trains, more often, on more lines,” it read.

Since the groundbreaking project was first announced, more than 7000 workers have carved out 1.8 million cubic metres of rock and soil, built the twin tunnels, laid 40 kilometres of track, poured 754,000 cubic metres of concrete, and installed 157,000 tonnes of steel.

The Public Transport Victoria App is expected to be updated ahead of proceedings. Download the App via either Google Play or the Apple App Store.