Push for third train line

THE Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) has continued its push for a third train line between Caulfield and Dandenong at a State Government public transport forum last week.
Representatives of the ETC including Knox City councillor Mick Van De Vreede and Yarra Ranges Shire councillor Samantha Dunn attended last week’s Eastern Victoria Transport Forum in Doncaster with a list of key transport projects to push for.
“Eastlink is finished, now we need to improve public transport,” Cr Van De Vreede said.
“Attendees at the forum today were clear, saying as a result of climate change and the increased cost of petrol the Victorian Government really has no choice but to deliver a generational step up in public transport in the outer east.
“I personally handed the Minister for Roads our recommendations for the expansion of public transport in the east.”
The key ETC recommendations are;
•Feasibility studies and business cases for rail to Rowville, Doncaster, and the expansion of capacity of Belgrave/Lilydale lines be undertaken immediately;
•The trebling of track from Caulfield to Dandenong must be undertaken as committed.
•Improvements to passenger comfort through upgrades or the creation of model interchanges at activity centres and transit cities must be undertaken.
•A long term fund for fixing gaps in the tram and bus network must be created.