The new timetable for the train network’s ‘Big Switch’ has come into effect, integrating the new Metro Tunnel with the wider transport network – but not everyone on the Sunbury line is happy about it.
Sunbury resident Lesley Marshall travels to Middle Footscray every day for work at 7am, and struggles to find a service that stops at Middle Footscray during peak hour.
“Now it no longer stops at Middle Footscray. I .. have to get off at West Footscray which I did today, but there were no trains to Middle Footscray, even at West Footscray,” she said.
“So you’ve got to stay on to Footscray, and it’s about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the station to my work.”
While there are no direct Sunbury to Middle Footscray services during peak hour from 6.55am to 8.14am, Sunbury travellers can change at Watergardens station to access Middle Footscray and Tottenham stations.
“It’s not going to be ideal when you’re coming into winter, and I also work at night … it seems to have only benefitted a few, but inconvenienced the majority of people who use the line,” Ms Marshall said.
On social media, Sunbury Line travellers had mixed responses to the changes.
One commenter wrote it would have been easier for commuters to stick with the city loop.
“My journey to work is now 20 minutes longer with an additional train and tram included,” the commenter wrote.
Another commenter pointed out plusses to the changes.
“Don’t forget too, the biggest benefit of the tunnel is the uplift in [service] frequency,” they wrote.
According to the state government, during peaks on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, service frequency will be up to every three minutes between Dandenong and West Footscray.
In peak hour, trains will run between Sunbury and the city every 10 minutes, and off peak every 20 minutes.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said the changes will take time for passengers to get used to.
