Metro Tunnel Timetable Revealed

The Victorian Government has released the Metro Tunnel’s new network-wide timetable, known as the Big Switch, which will integrate the tunnel into Melbourne’s existing train system and add more than 1,000 extra weekly services.

The new timetable takes effect on Sunday, 1 February, and introduces widespread changes across the metropolitan and regional rail network, alongside the first of 260 updated bus timetables designed to better connect with Metro Tunnel services.

Under the changes, all Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham line services will run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel, with additional services introduced to support higher frequencies.

During peak periods, trains will operate through the new tunnel stations as often as every three minutes. Services between Watergardens and Dandenong will run at least every 10 minutes in both directions between 6:00am and 9:00pm.

Frankston line services will return to the City Loop, restoring direct CBD access for passengers on one of the network’s busiest corridors.

The Werribee and Williamstown lines will temporarily run directly to Flinders Street Station. These lines are expected to later connect with the Sandringham line to form a new cross-city service.

Regional services will also see changes, with additional trains allowing improved access to the five new Metro Tunnel stations. This includes 18 extra services on the Traralgon line, 10 additional services on the Seymour line and four new services on the Echuca line.

Further service increases are planned from the middle of the year, including higher frequencies on the Werribee, Sandringham, Craigieburn and Upfield lines.

Since opening in November, the Metro Tunnel has recorded more than 500,000 station entries, with trains travelling over 64,000 kilometres through the tunnel.

Passengers can view the new timetable and plan journeys via the state transport website.