BREAKING: The much-anticipated Metro Tunnel in Melbourne officially opened to commuters this morning, marking a significant milestone after almost a decade of construction. At exactly 10:04 AM on November 30, 2023, the first train from Sunbury entered the tunnel, making history and transforming Melbourne’s rail network.
Passengers from the inner-west celebrated as they boarded the inaugural service, which departed Sunbury at 9:28 AM. Videos shared on social media captured the excitement, with commuters chanting “tunnel, tunnel, tunnel” as the train approached the entrance near South Kensington station. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers and applause as the train officially entered the Metro Tunnel.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams were among those aboard the first service. Allan emphasized the tunnel’s importance, calling it the biggest change to Melbourne’s rail network in 40 years. “This project is about fairness. It means getting to work, uni, and home faster – saving you more time, wherever you live,” she stated. Allan also acknowledged the hard work of the thousands of Victorians who dedicated years to making the Metro Tunnel a reality.
Today’s launch is just the beginning. Over the summer, Metro Tunnel services will run every 20 minutes between West Footscray and Westall stations on weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM, and on weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM. Some weekend services will even extend to Sunbury and East Pakenham.
This limited timetable is set to continue until February 1, when the highly anticipated ‘Big Switch’ will fully integrate the tunnel into Melbourne’s rail network. Following this switch, the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines will exclusively run through the new tunnel, significantly enhancing connectivity across the city.
The opening of the Metro Tunnel represents not just a triumph of infrastructure but also a promise of improved commuting experiences for all Melburnians. As the city gears up for the next chapter in urban transit, residents can look forward to a more efficient and accessible rail network.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Metro Tunnel reshapes the future of commuting in Melbourne!
