Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel officially opened on December 10, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport evolution. This project introduces five new underground stations—Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac—enhancing connectivity across the metropolitan area. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams celebrated the launch by joining commuters on the inaugural service, as thousands of Victorians took the opportunity to experience this historic moment.
The Metro Tunnel project links the Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham lines through a 97-kilometre corridor beneath the central business district. This expansion has effectively doubled the size of Melbourne’s underground rail network, allowing trains to bypass the congested City Loop, leading to faster and more direct journeys for passengers.
Premier Allan emphasized the project’s impact, stating, “Thousands of Victorians will now ride the Metro Tunnel and experience the biggest change to our rail network in 40 years. This project is about fairness. It means getting to work, uni and home faster—saving time wherever you live.”
The first trains departed from Sunbury and East Pakenham early Sunday morning, arriving almost simultaneously at the new Town Hall Station. The service is enhanced by high-capacity signalling systems and the complete removal of level crossings along the connected corridors.
As part of the celebration, travel across the metropolitan network is free every weekend until February 1, 2024. This initiative aims to thank commuters for their patience throughout the years of construction. Additionally, the launch of the Summer Start timetable introduces over 240 extra weekly services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines, all of which now stop at the new underground stations.
The full integration of the Metro Tunnel into Melbourne’s transport network is set for February 1, 2024, known as the “Big Switch.” On this date, Sunbury, Cranbourne, and Pakenham services will run exclusively through the tunnel.
Since the project’s inception, more than 7,000 workers have been involved, constructing twin tunnels, laying 40 kilometres of track, and pouring over 750,000 cubic metres of concrete. Minister Williams remarked, “This is a huge moment in the history of our state,” highlighting the project’s significance for the future of Melbourne’s public transport.
The Metro Tunnel represents a transformative step for commuters, promising not only improved efficiency but also a more equitable transport system for all Victorians.
