$37m train transformation

By Lia Bichel
COMMUTERS will benefit from the recent completion of a $37 million station and stabling upgrade project in Cranbourne.
The Brumby Government project is aimed at improving services on the Dandenong line as well as the train station at Cranbourne.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the project team finished the upgrades ahead of schedule and within budget.
She said the upgrades would mean better efficiency on the Dandenong corridor by allowing six trains to be housed at Cranbourne, eliminating movement of empty trains on the line.
“This project will allow for better movement of trains and deliver a better standard of service for Cranbourne commuters,” she said.
In addition to operational benefits, Ms Kosky said commuters would benefit from station improvements, which included an enclosed waiting room, platform shelters, new toilet facilities, formalised paved pedestrian access, an upgraded bus interchange and increased security.
The Cranbourne project also includes 400 additional car lots from early 2009.
Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to improve public transport in Melbourne’s south-east.
“The Brumby Government made this $37 million project a high priority because it delivers early capacity and reliability improvements for the whole Dandenong rail corridor,” he said.