Transport boost

By Shaun Inguanzo
ADDITIONAL peak train services and a triplication of the Dandenong line have been locked in as part of a $10.5 billion State Government announcement affecting the future of transport in Victoria.
The Transport and Liveability Statement was unveiled this week with significant announcements affecting the state.
Among the announcements that affect Greater Dandenong residents are the triplication of the Dandenong line, an additional Monash Freeway lane between Heatherton and Glenferrie Roads, a SmartBus network extension from Ringwood to Dandenong, and extra train services during peak times, including late night services on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mulgrave MP Daniel Andrews said the State Government had set aside $737 million to create an additional lane on the Monash between Heatherton and Glenferrie Roads with up to 20 minutes’ travelling time during busy periods to be shaved off as a result.
The State Government is allocating $2 billion for additional rail lines in Victoria, with a triplication of the Dandenong line between Springvale and Caulfield among the projects.
While there was no formal announcement as to whether Greater Dandenong would have Sunday bus services following their extinction earlier this year, Premier Steve Bracks said senior citizens would be entitled to free public transport on Sundays, and a SmartBus service linking Ringwood with Dandenong would be introduced in 2007.
Rounding out the benefits for Greater Dandenong was the announcement of extra peak time rail services on the Dandenong line, to be introduced this year and further revised in 2007.
In addition to Greater Dandenong’s announcements, Mr Bracks confirmed a $5 million study into a road further linking Melbourne’s east and west.
Further down the Dandenong line, Pakenham train station will receive upgrades and a new Lakeside train station will be constructed.