Network Development Plan (Metropolitan Rail) released today

A very detailed ground-breaking plan that would give Melbourne a world-class rail network. 

It would start by boosting all day frequency and simplifying timetables to make the best use of available infrastructure. This was based on a network that ran every 10 min on main lines and 20 min on branch sections all week. That is massively difference from the present where the network has a mix of 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 min frequencies as well as many stopping pattern variations. 

There was also a program of sectorisation, infrastructure additions and network extensions. That included the Metro Tunnel (which had been proposed by the previous Labor government acting on the advice of the Eddington Report). 

More about it in my ten year retrospective here:  

https://melbourneontransit.blogspot.com/2023/03/ndp-metropolitan-rail-10-years-since.html

Note: This item has been added retrospectively for historical purposes. 

Doncaster and Airport rail studies released

A common criticism of the Baillieu government was that it did a lot of studies but didn't start many major projects, especially regarding rail. Studies for rail lines to Doncaster and Melbourne Airport were released within a few days of one another in March 2013. More below: 

https://web.archive.org/web/20150906194833/http://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/have-your-say-about-the-doncaster-rail-study-phase-one-draft-recommendations-report/

https://web.archive.org/web/20150906192752/http://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/findings-of-the-melbourne-airport-rail-link-study-report-now-available/

Note: Item added retrospectively for posterity. 

Sunbury electrification opens today

Melbourne's electric rail system expanded electric trains service Sunbury and Diggers Rest. 

At most times every second train from Watergardens extended / started at Sunbury. Frequencies were 40 min off-peak during the day (including Sunday mornings) and 60 min at night.

The evening service was later upgraded to 30 min with all trains from Watergardens extending to Sunbury. Further even bigger service improvements are likely under the Metro Tunnel timetable when that starts in late 2025. 

Also starting on that day were bus network and timetable reforms in the Coburg - Broadmeadows area. Details at: https://bcsv.org.au/vm/2012-11-18-broadmeadows-glenroy-changes/

Note: This item was added retrospectively for the historical record.