The Andrews Labor Government will add 83 Metro train services for Diggers Rest and Sunbury each week at the end of the year, and ensure local passengers retain access to most V/Line services.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, joined local Member Josh Bull in Sunbury today to announce the extra services and release a Conversation Summary from recent community consultation on public transport.

From 31 December 2015, all trains from 7:00pm onwards will extend to Diggers Rest and Sunbury. This will double the frequency of late-night services, providing trains every half-hour for local passengers.

These 73 new services are on top of the 10 additional Metro train services being provided through the Labor Government’s Night Network trial, and build on the 10 extra peak services added earlier in the year.

Last month, nearly 200 locals attended a public transport workshop in Sunbury, and a further hundred had their say through an online survey. Feedback showed people would like to see V/Line services continue stopping at Sunbury.

The Labor Government has taken this feedback on board and announced enforcement measures that will balance the needs of Sunbury passengers and those on the Bendigo line.

In addition, from 1 January next year, Sunbury passengers will be able to board all but two V/Line services – the 4.25pm (arriving Sunbury at 4.55pm) and 5.04 pm (arriving Sunbury at 5.44pm) weekday trains. These evening peak Bendigo line services are experiencing the greatest level of overcrowding.

This change means passengers travelling beyond Sunbury can get the train home at the busiest times, while ensuring that Sunbury passengers still have access to the services they want, when there is room. At these times, Sunbury passengers can use the more frequent metro services which arrive into Sunbury every 20 minutes from the city.

A copy of the Conversation Summary is available at getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au, or by calling 1800 800 007.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan

“In just over a month, locals will have more than 80 extra Metro services and access to almost every V/Line train that stops at Sunbury or Diggers rest.”

“Today’s announcement is the result of the tireless advocacy of Josh Bull on behalf his local community. It’s a big win for passengers and shows the importance of having a Government that listens to people and invests in public transport.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull

“Today’s announcement is a huge win for passengers in Diggers Rest and Sunbury. They will get more trains, more often, every single day.”

“We’re listening to Sunbury passengers and delivering the extra services they need to get home safer and sooner, every day.”