Commuters have welcomed the extra 400 car parks that will be developed early next year as part of the Cranbourne Railway Station’s stabling upgrade, as pictured.By Kelly Yates
CRANBOURNE train commuters have welcomed the recent State Government announcement to build an additional 400 car parks at the station.
But many early-morning train travellers agree that there is much more work to be done.
Car spaces at the station will be more than doubled from 292 to 700 in early 2009, when a new northern car park is built.
Warneet resident Annie Dow spoke to the News on a busy mid-week morning, and said parking congestion at the station had steadily increased in the past five years.
“In 2003 parking was never a problem, the Government needs to consider the rapid growth in Cranbourne and cater for residents’ needs,” she said.
“Car parking at the station should be of a high priority.”
Cranbourne West resident Cheryl Brown said when it came to car parking problems at her local station, enough was enough.
“I have to get here early to fight for a car park. After 7.30am, the car park is full,” she said.
“I’m hoping the extra car parks will ease the pressure on train travellers every morning.”
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera, who announced the 400 additional car parks, said train commuters were the big winners.
“It is great news for local commuters who combine a car and train journey to get to and from the city,” he said.
Casey-Cardinia Communities for Public Transport president Alex Makin said news of the additional car parking was welcome, but much more needed to be done.
“The Government needs to consider people that rely on public transport, not those who drive and ride,” he said.
“The minute these car parks are open they will be filled. We need to focus on improving the bus services that transport people from their homes to the station.”
A new road connecting Camms Road to the car park will also be constructed, and is expected to dramatically ease access to the station during the peak hour rush.
