Free travel will once again be offered to passengers on the Gippsland line during a statewide Autumn transport construction blitz in April.
Free replacement coaches will be available to passengers travelling to and from Gippsland as the Andrews Labor Government gets on with an unprecedented investment in transport infrastructure across the state.
Power, signalling and station upgrades to prepare for the High Capacity Metro Trains have been timed over the Easter holiday period to cause the least impact for passengers.
Construction on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel entrance at South Yarra will also take place, resulting in disruptions to Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston and Sandringham line services.
In recognition of the more than 150 days of planned disruptions experienced by Gippsland passengers since early 2018, their travel during the construction blitz will be free.
A mixture of express and semi express coaches, including stopping at Parliament station will replace Gippsland line trains for the whole journey from Saturday 6 until Tuesday 23 April.
Buses will also replace trains on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines for part of the journey during the same period.
The Labor Government is also making it easier for Gippsland line passengers to plan their journey, by introducing a six-month calendar showing proposed work dates where coaches will replace trains.
Passengers travelling on replacement coaches between Traralgon and Melbourne will not need to touch on their myki or purchase a paper ticket.
Passengers travelling on the Bairnsdale replacement coach services will still need to reserve a seat, but no charge will apply.
Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead before travelling, with detailed travel information available at ptv.vic.gov.au.
For more information about Victoria’s Big Build, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au.
As noted by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We thank Gippsland passengers for their patience during this period.”
“The introduction of a six-month work calendar will have even more time to plan ahead and be aware of upcoming disruption.”
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
“I urge passengers during this busy time to check and stay informed about changes to the network, and plan ahead.”
