Latest news with #MetroTunnel
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie exposes major danger in $13 billion rail project: 'How did nobody notice'
Disability advocates are blasting a new Australian rail project that's set to open in just a matter of months for seemingly failing to factor in travellers with mobility issues, including wheelchair users and parents with prams. Concerns have been raised this week over accessibility issues in Melbourne's new Metro Tunnel stations, especially among individuals with mobility impairments. During testing, it was discovered that the platforms at these stations did not align with the height of train floors, resulting in a gap of several centimetres. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, longtime disability advocate Zoe Simmons said this misalignment poses challenges for wheelchair users and others requiring level boarding, potentially hindering safe and independent access. "It's pretty crappy, isn't it?" she said. "I really don't think anyone in charge actually realises how much of a safety and access risk this is, for not only so many people with different kinds of disabilities and mobility aids, but also parents with prams." Zoe said it's exhausting constantly having to fight for basic accessibility, especially when infrastructure projects of this scale apparently overlook the needs of people with disabilities. She urges decision-makers not to treat Australians with disabilities as afterthoughts. Construction on the Melbourne Metro began in 2018, with the project now in its final stages and set to open in late 2025. Three of the five new underground stations — Arden, Parkville and Anzac — are complete, while State Library and Town Hall stations are near finished. The project is slated for completion a year ahead of the original 2026 target. Zoe is not alone in her criticisms. The Disability Resources Centre has raised concerns about the design flaw, emphasising that it undermines the project's commitment to accessibility. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has similarly highlighted the issue, releasing images and confirming ongoing discussions with advocacy groups to address multiple accessibility concerns. Despite assurances from the government that the stations will be among the most accessible in the network, advocates question how the platform-train height mismatch will be resolved. "This is why it's important to have disabled people in every part of the process — nothing about us without us," Zoe said. "How does this even happen? Did they just not measure it? Not check? Not care? "Hopefully, we can put pressure on them to ensure they will fix it, and double-check all the other accessibility features. Oh, and hire disabled people to be a part of this process." Qantas passenger hits out over hidden travel frustration for thousands Woman slams shocking treatment at Aussie music festival IKEA car park detail sparks confusion among Aussies While so far ahead of time, the project initially was estimated at $10.9 billion in 2016, but since costs have escalated to approximately $13.48 billion, marking an $837 million increase. The Victorian government attributes this rise to unforeseen global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, international conflicts, and interest rate hikes. Some reports suggest the total expenditure could exceed $15 billion when considering all associated costs. Speaking to media this week, Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan insisted that once the new stations open, they will be accessible to all passengers. "There's design work that is being done, and people in a wheelchair will be able to get on and off — roll on and off — on our trains that will align with the platforms," she said. Zoe remains sceptical, but hopes for change. "Access benefits everybody, and we deserve safety, particularly when it's an [estimated] $15 billion project that has a whole webpage emphasising how accessible they want to make it," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Guardian
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Eight storeys beneath Melbourne: first look inside the city's new metro stations
Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is expected to open in late 2025. Described as the most significant overhaul of the city's transport network since the City Loop opened in the 1980s, the tunnel has been taking shape beneath the city for the past eight years – with the bill ballooning to $14bn. With an eye on the 2026 state election, the long-serving Victorian Labor government – with its soaring debt of nearly $200bn – is banking on the project to turn its fortunes around. Guardian Australia's Victoria state correspondent, Benita Kolovos, gets a look at the city's newest train stations
The Guardian
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Station to station: first look at the Metro Tunnel set to revolutionise Melbourne travel
For nearly a decade, deep beneath Melbourne, tunnel boring machines and construction crews have been quietly reshaping the city, through the creation of the Metro Tunnel. Three new underground stations have already been handed over to Metro Trains, with two more to follow within months. By year's end, a new 9km twin rail tunnel – billed as the biggest overhaul of Melbourne's transport network since the City Loop opened in the 1980s – will open to the public. The scale of its impact is clear: the entire city's transport timetable – trains, trams, buses – is currently being rewritten to make way. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Ben Ryan, the Metro Tunnel's executive project director. 'When you look at these sorts of projects, not only within Australia but globally, they really do make a big difference to how people get around the city,' says Ben Ryan, the Metro Tunnel's executive project director. 'Sydney Metro … has been a real gamechanger for Sydney and this will be the same. 'When you see the spaces here, the difference that will make to people's commutes and how it modernises our rail network, it will make a really big difference to Melbourne and Victoria.' The Melbourne-made light fittings at Arden station Above ground, the Victorian government is desperate for its debut. The project may be a year ahead of schedule but it has had no shortage of controversies, including its cost ballooning to nearly $14bn – a heavy burden on a budget facing almost $200bn in forecast debt by mid-2028. Now in its third term and sliding in the polls, Labor's pinning its hopes on the tunnel delivering political capital before the November 2026 state election. So what exactly is the Metro Tunnel? And how will it change your commute? The Metro Tunnel will connect the Sunbury line in the west to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in the south-east via five new underground city stations, forming a single 97km train line. It will deliver more frequent services from Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham and free up City Loop capacity, returning Frankston trains to the loop. First proposed in 2008 as a 17km rail link from Footscray to Caulfield, the project was repeatedly shelved, revived and redesigned in the years since, amid political and funding fights. The acting transport infrastructure minister, Sonya Kilkenny, said: 'The Liberals called the Metro Tunnel a 'hoax' and the Liberals in Canberra ripped billions out of this city shaping project – but we are getting on delivering it and it will open this year, one year ahead of schedule.' The vertical ceiling baffles that mark stations exits and entries Originally budgeted at $11bn and due in 2024, early works began in 2015, with tunnelling starting in 2019. Construction was then halted when contractors sought an extra $3bn for cost overruns. The finish date was pushed to 2026, then brought forward to 2025. Above ground, preparations have long been under way – dozens of level crossings were removed along the two lines to allow faster trains into the tunnel and High Capacity Metro Trains, with end-to-end walkways, began rolling out in 2021. The trains can carry about 1,400 passengers across seven carriages but the Metro Tunnel platforms have been built to accommodate 10 in the future. Like Sydney's Metro, the tunnel will use screen doors for faster, safer boarding The tunnel also features high-capacity signalling, which Ryan describes as a 'adaptive cruise control', letting trains automatically keep pace and safely run closer together at speeds up to 80km/h. This will support a 'turn-up-and-go' service, with passengers able to board a train without checking a timetable – though the government has not detailed what that will actually look like yet. (In Sydney's Metro, trains run every four minutes during peaks). Test trains have already clocked more than 165,000km. Doors have opened and closed thousands of times. Emergency drills – from fire evacuations to total shutdowns – have been under way in preparation for the tunnel's opening. The stations and their surrounds are the work of Australian architects Hassell, alongside London-based firms Weston Williamson + Partners and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Each is designed to maximise natural light, with Melbourne-made light fittings that nod to the city's past, Melbourne Metro logos scattered throughout and exposed concrete and engineering. The stations also include design cues to help passengers navigate. Vertical ceiling baffles are pink on one side, white on the other, to mark exits and entries. Bright yellow drum lights draw the eye toward platforms. Embedded into the platforms is Tracks, by artist Maree Clarke: 30 oversized animal footprints – including the koala, sugar glider, emu and wombat – laser-cut in coloured granite, in a nod to the five Kulin nation clans of central Victoria. While the five stations share a visual language, each reflects the character of its local area. On St Kilda Road – the world's busiest tram corridor – Anzac station is opposite the Shrine of Remembrance. Its green columns and timber canopies reflect the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens. According to Ryan, it's the only station in the world that has been built with a direct train to tram connection, which will relieve pressure on the tram network and cut trips to the city from about 15–20 minutes to three. He says the construction was 'pretty challenging logistically', with major road closures and heritage work, including dismantling and rebuilding the South African Soldiers War Memorial and preserving the Windsor Oak planted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Inside, bright artworks by Raafat Ishak reflect surrounding landmarks. Toward the Shrine exit, the colours become more subdued, with artist Fiona Hall's work immortalising two second world war carrier pigeons – known by their signs DD.43.T.139 and DD.43.Q.879 – in bronze. Both were awarded the Dickin medal for bravery – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – for delivering life-saving messages under fire. They are flanked by panels depicting native plant species linked to military service. Parkville sits 25 metres below the city's medical and research precinct, connecting 73,000 workers and 55,000 students to heavy rail for the first time. Its blue design nods to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and University of Melbourne. It has four entrances: the Grattan Street main entrance with its 55-metre-long canopy; another near the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; one at Royal Melbourne Hospital; and one on Royal Parade. Beneath Grattan Street is a 'street beneath the street' – a retail-lined, traffic-free walkway open to all, featuring a ceramic collage titled Vernal Glade by Patricia Piccinini. Arden's brick arches reference North Melbourne's industrial heritage. Artist Abdul Abdullah's Come Together – two aluminium hands reaching for each other – stretches across the facade, set against mosaic tiles showing local history. The surrounding area was initially meant to become a brand new medical precinct but the plan was scrapped after it was discovered electromagnetic interference from the tunnel was affecting existing hospitals in Parkville. Instead, the government plans to use to land to create 20,000 new homes, including 10% 'affordable housing'. These two stations are yet to be handed over to Metro Trains and are by far the most complex. State Library sits 36 metres below ground, Town Hall 27 metres – twice the depth of Anzac or Arden. 'The reason for that is the Metro Tunnel goes underneath the City Loop tunnels for the train that's already running around the city,' Ryan says. 'Imagine an eight-storey building – we've built that underground and we've done that largely while the city's continued operating above.' The stations are huge – spanning city blocks – and will allow underground transfers between Town Hall and Flinders Street, and State Library and Melbourne Central, without tapping on or off. Arden station, Anzac station and Parkville station Due to their locations, archaeological digs during construction uncovered thousands of artefacts, including 1,000 human teeth from an 1898 dental surgery at 11 Swanston Street and cattle bone dice and jet earrings dropped through floorboards at 13 Swanston Street, once home to hotels from the 1850s to 1920s. Guardian Australia understands the stations are expected to be handed over to Metro Trains within three months, though neither Ryan nor the government would confirm this. 'They're in good shape. We're nearly finished and once they're finished we'll test and get ready to open the entire Metro Tunnel,' Ryan says. The $13.48bn question is: when? The Age recently reported a 'soft opening' was planned for November with limited off-peak services – a claim the government has disputed. 'Everyone's very interested in when it's going to open,' Ryan says. 'We're going to open this year, in 2025. We can't say exactly when yet, but we're on track to open and everyone's working really hard.'
The Age
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
We are a diverse nation. Enough stale, pale males
Long-term benefits For a project like the SRL, the last thing we need is a business case. Major projects that will continue to be impacting in 100 years' time require a vision. Business cases largely apply to the now and next few years based on business as usual. Major transport developments like the SRL are based on a vision of Melbourne where our dependence on road transport is diminished. Where we can think differently about travel across suburbs. This will allow town planners with vision, create a better living environment. Political leaders should keep quiet if this is all they can say about major projects. Howard Tankey, Box Hill North A decade late The Metro Tunnel, due to open in 2026, is actually seven to 10 years late from its originally recommended timeframe. Sir Rod Eddington's report, Investing in Transport, (2008) had it planned in two sections; the western part (Footscray to Domain) was to open in 2016, and the eastern part (Domain to Caulfield) in 2019. This version was included in the Brumby government's 2008 Victorian Transport Plan, but that was shelved by the Baillieu government in 2011. In 2013, the Napthine government proposed the Melbourne Rail Link, which inexplicably bypassed Melbourne's CBD. Finally, the Metro Tunnel was re-introduced, albeit in a shortened, single-stage form (South Yarra to West Kensington) by the Andrews government in 2014, and construction started in 2017. This was a year after it would have opened, if the original plan had been followed. Political interference in the planning process is the main cause of the delay, which has also added considerably to the cost and reduced the original scope. William McDougall, Woodend A big launch lost The Metro Tunnel opening should be a celebration of a generational step-up in rail services. It should deliver long-overdue service enhancements across much of the rail network. Despite best intentions, projects will inevitably run late however this should not detract from the primary goal of delivering better public transport. The public quickly forgets the extra time and cost of such projects once they start to experience genuinely improved services. A partial opening will undermine the community's confidence in the project. It's understandable those responsible for delivering the project are motivated to see the first trains run as soon as possible. Yet a partial service at off-peak times only will confuse passengers and compromise service reliability. The original business plan foresaw the project opening in 2026. By this measure, the project remains on schedule. The optimism of those delivering the project has created an earlier expectation. The impression of delay shouldn't become the dominant narrative. More importantly, this can't be fixed by starting services with a compromised service plan. John Hearsch, president, Rail Futures Institute Inc, Heathcote Junction Many don't get it If you ask anyone over 60 what they think of the SRL, the majority will say, why would I want to travel from Cheltenham to Box Hill on a train? They don't get it. The major benefit, in our ever expanding city, is a rail loop to connect the outer suburbs, without always having to head to Flinders Street station. Promoting travel times this early means nothing. To cancel the project would be madness, it will never be any cheaper to build. Paul Custance, Highett Education business Graeme Turner's Broken: Universities, Politics & the Public Good offers a timely and sobering reflection on the systemic neglect of Australia's universities (' Netflix has romanticised academia. This is what it's really like ', 29/6). Yet one vital consequence of this neglect is barely mentioned: the proliferation of low-quality, market-driven degrees from bottom-tier or for-profit institutions – degrees that offer little academic substance or job readiness. As public funding dwindled and universities were told to operate 'like businesses,' many did exactly that – competing for market share by offering dubious degrees with vague titles, weak curricula, and little alignment with real-world skills or scholarly merit – often from institutions few Australians could name. These programs, typically heavy on marketing spin and light on rigour, reflect a system incentivised to enrol, not to educate. In this race for enrolments, academic standards have been quietly sacrificed. Meanwhile, genuine research and teaching – especially in the humanities and sciences – are underfunded and undervalued. Students are left paying for thin content; employers are left disillusioned by meaningless qualifications. If we're serious about Australia's 'knowledge infrastructure,' we need to reclaim the integrity of a university education – not just through funding, but through regulation and an unapologetic commitment to quality. A healthy tertiary sector isn't just a line item. It's a national imperative. Professor David Fox, Beaumaris Savings start at the top Graeme Turner's article strikes a loud chord. As an academic myself, I have personally experienced the frustrations outlined and have watched over the last couple of decades as course after course has been cancelled and academics' workloads have increased due to cost-savings. However, there is one aspect to the matter that Turner did not mention. This is the inflated pay packets of the CEOs – sorry, vice chancellors – of our top universities; according to the Australia Institute many are now earning over seven times as much as their teaching staff. While many of those august institutions are firing administrative staff and increasing teaching and administrative workloads on their academics, they somehow can find the money to pay the heads of the university million dollar-plus salaries. Dr Peter Christopher White, Hawthorn The hobbies are free Shona Hendley may not be able to afford to buy herself a bathing suit (' All year, I've tried to find a new hobby. One major problem is crushing my efforts ', 29/6), luckily she can do a lot of things for free. She could join her local Landcare group and help with pulling out weeds in native bushland, and in the evening she might join a group listening for frog song. She can volunteer at her local hospital and spend time holding pre-term babies and giving them some human warmth. She can volunteer at a primary school and help children learn how to read aloud. She can go to her local library and borrow a book for free and if feeling inspired, maybe even write a poem. She can then read it for free at her local pub poetry gig and perhaps lash out, and shout herself a glass of lemonade. Di Cousens, Upwey A change of pace Shona Hendley is looking for a hobby for benefits in mental health, finding purpose and reducing stress. It must fit the budget. One answer is a weekly Scottish country dance class for $6-$10 per class. You enjoy dancing to bright and lively Scottish dance music, make new friends and grow your mental and physical health. There are groups all around Victoria that will welcome new dancers. Ross Gawler, Malvern Certain players Richmond's Tom Lynch is facing a lengthy suspension after throwing a dangerous haymaker (' 'His frustration spills over': Two-touch Tom on report after dirty day at MCG ', 29/6). As a neutral observer of the game, I could not imagine a player being mauled, held and denied access to the contest more than the number of occasions this occurred to Lynch. He remonstrated at length with the umpires. Nothing changed. The game I love and will continue to love is being compromised by players who continually push players in the back, scrag others and play outside the rules at the behest of coaches. I'm hoping to see defenders in particular given the opportunity to play in front and not get shoved under the ball. And for players like Lynch to be protected from those who scrag and block players' access to the ball. Andrew Dowling, Torquay Trusted old lippy While working overseas at weekends I always read The Age from cover to cover. The article (' Hailey Bieber's latest makeup trend is 'fairy magic'. Here's how to nail it ', 29/06) caught my eye with a breathtaking photograph and how-to video tutorial. How I would love to emulate this look and wondered what it would cost to purchase the recommended products. To my surprise they came to $598. So instead of dreaming of having a fairy magic look when I next go out, I slink away with my trusted old lippy and sunscreen. I could never justify spending close to $600 on a look, especially when the fashion could turn to something different next month. Judith G. Hudson, Elwood Public benefit Your correspondent seems to be suggesting there is an inverse relationship between the money spent on education and the prevalence of youth crime (Letters, 30/6). If he is correct, perhaps the better question might be how do we increase the amount spent on the public system to decrease the number of youths offending? John Alley, Thurgoona, NSW AND ANOTHER THING Venice wedding Bezos, Zuckerberg and co could be tamed quite quickly if the global online community decided to boycott Amazon purchases, Instagram use etc. And while we're at it, stop watching AFL on Thursday/ Friday night. Could we do it? Andrew Barnes, Ringwood So many complaints in The Age letters page about the ugly display of wealth at the Bezos wedding. I don't think they could care less. Memo to the rest of us: Money can't buy class. Robyn Williams, Sale I can't believe The Age gave a double-page spread on a multimillion-dollar wedding when there are people in war-torn streets struggling for survival. The bridegroom and the Musks of this world don't deserve one line of print. Ian Anderson, Surrey Hills Trump and Israel Is it true Trump has instructed the Israeli judiciary not to sneeze without his permission, otherwise tariffs will be imposed? (' 'We are not going to stand for this': Trump ties Israeli legal action against Netanyahu to US aid ', 30/6). Barrie Bales, Woorinen North Loading Maureen Dowd recounts Trump's view that a reporter's question disrespected the US military's action. Yet a greater 'disrespect' of the US military came from Trump himself a few years ago when he privately denigrated soldiers who gave their lives, calling them 'losers'. Joyce Butcher, Williamstown Maureen Dowd, keeping us sane and entertained. Denise Deerson, Bulleen Furthermore Now, now, George Brandis (Opinion, 30/6) calling your former colleagues 'political onanists' is a little unchristian of you. Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn
News.com.au
31-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Melbourne commuter chaos looms for months as Metro Tunnel nears completion
Melbourne commuters can expect headaches for the rest of the year as the $15bn Metro Tunnel opens in stages. Passengers on three different train lines will have to switch at either of two different stations as the first trains carrying passengers through the new tunnel are opened to the public. Speaking to media on Saturday, Transport Infrastructure Minister, Gab Williams, said the amount of disruptions owing to the state's massive infrastructure projects was too long to list. 'You've probably already seen the media release with an outline of many of the disruptions that will be taking place over the winter break, because we have a huge winter of work,' she said. 'So I won't go through all of them. I will choose to single out a few, but in short, we are ensuring you know the final stretch and opening, getting ready to open, the Metro Tunnel project and of course as well the West Gate Tunnel.' On June 21, the train-carrying Metro Tunnel will run a 'dress rehearsal', however the tunnel hasn't yet been signed off to transport passengers. On this one rehearsal day, passengers on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will have to switch trains at Caulfield or Footscray stations. The empty trains will then continue on through the tunnel as a sort of dry run. There are two AFL games in Melbourne on that Saturday, being contested by four Melbourne-based teams. Ms Williams said staff will 'be out in force' at the stations where passengers have to get off the train to tell people where to go, on top of the usual announcements ringing out. This June 21 trial marks the first in a string of major transport disruptions over the next six months. Final works on the West Gate Tunnel will cause lane closures on outbound arterial routes later in the year. Sections of the Eastern Freeway will be shut during the weekends in August and buses will replace trains on the Hurstbridge line in July.
