Frankston line | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service type | Commuter rail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System | Melbourne railway network | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Status | Operational | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locale | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Predecessor | Mordialloc (1881–1882) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First service | 19 December 1881 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current operator(s) | Metro Trains | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former operator(s) |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Route | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termini | Flinders Street (from Werribee or Williamstown) Frankston | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stops | 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distance travelled | 43.23 km (26.86 mi) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average journey time | 1 hour 7 minutes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service frequency |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Line(s) used | Frankston | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rolling stock | Comeng, Siemens, X'Trapolis 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electrification | 1500 V DC overhead | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track owner(s) | VicTrack | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Frankston line is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. [1] Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's third-longest metropolitan railway line, at 42.7 kilometres (26.5 mi). The line runs from Flinders Street station in central Melbourne to Frankston station in the south-east, serving 28 stations via South Yarra, Caulfield, Moorabbin, and Mordialloc. [2] The line continues to Stony Point on the non-electrified Stony Point line. The line operates for approximately 20 hours a day (from approximately 4:00 am to around 11:30 pm) with 24 hour service available on Friday and Saturday nights. During peak hour, headways of up to 5 to 10 minutes are operated with services every 10–20 minutes during off-peak hours. [3] Trains on the Frankston line run with a two three-car formations of Comeng, Siemens Nexas, and X'Trapolis 100 trainsets. [4]
Sections of the Frankston line opened as early as 1881, with the line fully extended to Frankston in 1882. A limited number of stations were first opened, with infill stations progressively opened between 1881 and 2017. [5] The line was built to connect Melbourne with the rural towns of Caulfield, Moorabbin, and Frankston, amongst others. Significant growth has occurred since opening, with a plan to extend the Frankston line along part of the Stony Point line to Baxter. [6]
Since the 2010s, due to the heavily utilised infrastructure of the Frankston line, significant improvements and upgrades have been made. Different packages of works have upgraded the corridor to replace sleepers, upgrading signalling technology, the introduction of new rolling stock, and the removal of all level crossings. [7]
In 1881, the Frankston line began operations by the Victorian Railways on a single tracked line from Caulfield to Mordialloc. [8] Mordialloc station was officially opened on 19 December 1881 by Sir Thomas Bent, who was the Minister of Railways, and later becoming the Premier of Victoria between 1904 and 1909. [8] [9] The first train to arrive at Mordialloc was a special service from Princes Bridge, which collected school children from the Brighton area. Further specials occurred during the day, with proper timetabled services commencing the following day. Six services were provided upon opening and, apart from two services, all were shuttle services operating between Caulfield and Mordialloc. [8]
In August 1882, operations were extended from Mordialloc to Frankston. [10] The section of track from Caulfield to Mordialloc was duplicated in 1888. [11] In 1883 the line between Richmond station and South Yarra was quadrupled to accommodate an increase in train services due to the opening of Frankston and Sandringham lines. [12]
In 1885, a number of level crossing removal works occurred between Flinders Street station and South Yarra due to an increase in freight and passenger operations. [13] These crossings were removed through a combination of lowering and raising the corridor. [13]
In 1910, the remaining track from Mordialloc to Frankston was duplicated. In 1915, the line between South Yarra and Caulfield was quadrupled, as part of level crossing removal works. This section of the line was lowered into a cutting to eliminate numerous level crossings. [14] Power signalling was provided between Richmond and Hawksburn at the same time, then on to Caulfield in 1921. [15]
Electrification of the line to Frankston occurred in three stages during 1922. In March 1922, the section from South Yarra to Glen Huntly station was electrified, with the section to Mordialloc being electrified in June 1922, and the final section to Frankston being completed by August 1922. [16] [17] The electrification of the line allowed for the introduction of Swing Door electric multiple unit trains for the first time. [16] [18]
The introduction of power signalling on the line begun in 1933 with the section from Caulfield to Glen Huntly, with the remainder of the line converted in stages from 1958 to 1986. [15] The current bridge over the Patterson River was provided in 1974, replacing the previous trestle bridge. [19] Triplication of the line from Caulfield to Moorabbin from two to three tracks was announced by Transport Minister Steve Crabb in 1984, at a cost of A$10 million. Construction of the additional track was designed to increase peak hour capacity and to provide express services on the corridor, with time savings of more than 10 minutes from Frankston. Work begun in July that year with a completion by the end of 1985. [20] The introduction of services on the new track was delayed by two years till June 1987. [21] Further plans announced in the 1970s included the extension of the third track to Mordialloc, however, these plans failed to materialise. [22]
In 1981, Frankston line services commenced operations through the City Loop, after previously terminating at Flinders or Spencer Street stations. [23] The commencement of operations involved the service stopping at three new stations—Parliament, Melbourne Central (formally Museum), and Flagstaff. [24] The Loop follows La Trobe and Spring Streets along the northern and eastern edges of the Hoddle Grid. [25] The Loop connects with Melbourne's two busiest stations, Flinders Street and Southern Cross, via the elevated Flinders Street Viaduct. [25]
A 2007, restructure of train ticketing in Melbourne involved the removal of Zone 3, with Zone 3 stations being re-classified to Zone 2. [26] This brought the cost of train fares down, improving system accessibility to the public. All stations between Patterson and Frankston were rezoned to Zone 2. [27]
At the 2010 state election, both the Labor Party and the Liberal Party promised to provide a new Premium station between Highett and Cheltenham, to serve the Westfield Southland shopping centre. [28] The station was projected to cost $13 million, and would have two platforms, an information booth, and shelters with a projected usage of 1,400 passengers daily. The project was scheduled to be completed by 2014, however, no progress was made till after the 2014 state election. [29] The new station opened on 26 November 2017 as Southland station. [30] In 2013, the line, along with the Werribee and Williamstown lines, were upgraded as part of the Bayside Rail Project. The upgrade included station refurbishments, track, signal, and electrical upgrades to allow X'Trapolis trains to operate on these lines. [31]
In 2021, the metropolitan timetable underwent a major rewrite, resulting in all Frankston line trains operating direct between Richmond and Flinders Street before continuing onto the Werribee and Williamstown lines. Under these changes, Frankston services no longer operate via the City Loop, with an additional 45 new services each week. [32] The additional services upgraded frequencies to a train every 5 minutes in peak hour, every 10 minutes throughout the day, and every 20 minutes until midnight. [32]
The Level Crossing Removal Project has announced the removal of all 23 remaining level crossings on the Frankston line, to be completed in stages from 2016 to 2029. [7] Different removal packages have been announced in 2014, 2018, and 2022 to coincide with different state elections and to be delivered in stages up until 2029. [33] [34] [7] All of the various removals have involved the rail under or rail over methods, with some crossing closures also undertaken by the Project. At the conclusion of the project, all level crossings between the city and Frankston station will be full grade operated through a variety of methods. [7]
When the new cross-city rail corridor being built by the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 there will be a reorganisation of the Melbourne rail network. [35] The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning plans to return the Frankston line to the City Loop, with dedicated use of the Caulfield group tunnel track. [36] This will mean Frankston line trains will no longer through-run with Werribee and Williamstown line trains, and will again stop at City Loop stations Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament. [36] Werribee and Williamstown services would instead continue onto the Sandringham line. [36]
Stage 4 of the Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail proposed that the Craigieburn and Frankston lines be joined via a reconfigured City Loop sometime in the 2030s. [37]
In 2013, as part of Public Transport Victoria's Network Development Plan for metropolitan rail, an extension of the Frankston line to Baxter was earmarked to begin in the "long-term", which would equate to at least 2033. The proposal would link Frankston to Baxter through an electrified dual-line following the Stony Point line. [38] In 2018, the Liberal Party announced a project to extend electrified services to Baxter during the 2018 state election. [39] The project would have included the removal of all crossings between Frankston and Baxter, duplication and electrification works, the reconstruction and redevelopment of the stations at Leawarra and Langwarrin respectively to facilitate electrification. [40] [41]
The Federal Liberals announced $450 million of joint funding for the project promised between the state and federal governments. [40] The incumbent Andrews Labor government argued that the project was not needed, instead prioritising funding to other projects across the state. [40] A business case commissioned by the government was completed in 2019 with no further progress being made. [6]
Again in the lead up to the 2022 state election, the Liberal opposition supported the electrification to Baxter. [42] The incumbent Andrews government made no commitments to the Baxter rail extension, instead continuing construction on level crossing removal works along the Frankston line. [42] The 2022 state election resulted in another Labor victory, with the Andrews government pushing ahead with these works, with the extension to Baxter remaining stagnant ever since.
Services on the Frankston line operates from approximately 4:00 am to around 11:30 daily. [17] In general, during peak hours, train frequency is 10 minutes during the peak period while services during non-peak hours drops to 10–20 minutes throughout the entire route. [3] Rather than running through the City Loop, services continue onto the Werribee (express or via the Altona Loop) or Williamstown lines (with varying frequencies). [38] On Friday nights and weekends, services run 24 hours a day, with 60 minute frequencies available outside of normal operating hours. [43]
Freight operations occur (usually) twice-daily, with Qube Holdings operating services to the Long Island steel mills and the Port of Hastings. Trains to Melbourne run approximately at 4 am and during the mid-afternoon, while trains from Melbourne run approximately at midnight and noon. [44]
Train services on the Frankston line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle bus services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters. [45]
Legend — Station Status
Legend — Stopping Patterns
Services do not operate via the City Loop
Frankston Services [46] | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Station | Zone | Local | Ltd Express | Carrum | Mordialloc | Cheltenham |
◼ Southern Cross | 1 | ◐ | ◐ | ◐ | ◐ | ◐ |
◼ Flinders Street | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◼ Richmond | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◼ South Yarra | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ● | |
Hawksburn | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
Toorak | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◻ Armadale | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◻ Malvern | ● | ▲ | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◼ Caulfield | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◻ Glen Huntly | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◻ Ormond | 1/2 | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● |
McKinnon | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◼ Bentleigh | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
Patterson | 2 | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● |
◼ Moorabbin | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
Highett | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◻ Southland | ● | | | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◼ Cheltenham | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ● | |
◼ Mentone | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ||
Parkdale | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ||
◼ Mordialloc | ● | ● | ● | ▼ | ||
Aspendale | ● | ● | ● | |||
Edithvale | ● | ● | ● | |||
Chelsea | ● | ● | ● | |||
Bonbeach | ● | ● | ● | |||
◼ Carrum | ● | ● | ● | |||
Seaford | ● | ● | ||||
Kananook | ● | ● | ||||
◼ Frankston | ● | ● |
The Frankston line has had a total of 7 operators since its opening in 1881. The majority of operations throughout its history have been government run: from its first service in 1881 until the 1999 privatisation of Melbourne's rail network, four different government operators have run the line. [47] These operators, Victorian Railways, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Public Transport Corporation, and Bayside Trains have a combined operational length of 118 years. [47]
Bayside Trains was privatised in August 1999 and later rebranded M>Train. In 2002, M>Train was placed into receivership and the state government regained ownership of the line, with KPMG appointed as receivers to operate M>Train on behalf of the state government. [48] [49] [50] Two years later, rival train operator Connex Melbourne took over the M>Train operations including the Frankston line. Metro Trains Melbourne, the current private operator, then took over the operations in 2009. The private operators have had a combined operational period of 25 years. [51]
Operator | Assumed operations | Ceased operations | Length of operations |
---|---|---|---|
Victorian Railways | 1881 | 1983 | 102 years |
Metropolitan Transit Authority | 1983 | 1989 | 6 years |
Public Transport Corporation | 1989 | 1998 | 9 years |
Bayside Trains (government operator) | 1998 | 1999 | 1 years |
M>Train | 1999 | 2004 | 5 years |
Connex Melbourne | 2004 | 2009 | 5 years |
Metro Trains Melbourne | 2009 | incumbent | 15 years (ongoing) |
Frankston line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Frankston (physical track) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Status | Operational with passenger services from Flinders Street to Frankston and freight services to the Port of Hastings |
Owner |
|
Locale | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
Termini | |
Continues as | Stony Point line |
Connecting lines | All metropolitan, regional, and interstate |
Stations |
|
Service | |
Services | Frankston, Port of Hastings freight trains |
History | |
Commenced | 19 December 1881 |
Opened |
|
Completed | 1 August 1882 |
Electrified |
|
Technical | |
Line length | 43.23 km (26.86 mi) |
Number of tracks |
|
Track gauge | 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) |
Electrification | 1500 V DC overhead |
Operating speed |
|
Signalling | Automatic block signaling |
Maximum incline | 1 in 42 (2.38%) |
The Frankston line forms a somewhat linear route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus in Frankston. The route is 42.7 kilometres (26.5 mi) long and is predominantly doubled tracked, however between Flinders Street station and Richmond, the track is widened to 12 tracks, narrowing to 6 tracks between Richmond and South Yarra before again narrowing to 4 tracks between South Yarra and Caulfield. [52] After Caulfield station, the track again narrows to 3 tracks, which is remain till Moorabbin when the track narrows to two tracks. The centre track is signalled for bidirectional operation, allowing for express trains overtaking stopping trains in the peak direction. After changing from Werribee and Williamstown services at Flinders Street, Frankston line traverses mainly flat country with few curves and fairly minimal earthworks for most of the line. However, between South Yarra and Malvern, the rail corridor has been lowered into a cutting to eliminate level crossings, and between Malvern and Caulfield, the corridor has been raised on an embankment for the same reason. [53] After Caulfield, the line formerly had numerous level crossings, however, all have now been abolished through numerous rail trenches and rail bridges. [7] Remaining level crossings on the line will be removed by 2029 under other level crossing removal works.
The line follows the same alignment as the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines with the three services splitting onto different routes at Caulfield. The Frankston line continues on its south eastern alignment, whereas the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines takes an eastern alignment towards their final destinations. [54] From Mentone, the line is never more than ~1 kilometre (0.6 mi) from the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay, and runs alongside the Nepean Highway for much of its length. At Frankston station, electrified services terminate with Metro Trains operated diesel services continuing to Stony Point. [55] Most of the rail line goes through built-up suburbs and some industrial areas, with small sections of the line passing through more open countryside, passing by open fields and farms. [54]
The line serves 28 stations across the length of the line. The stations are a mix of elevated, lowered, underground, and ground level designs. Underground stations are present only in the City Loop, with the majority of elevated and lowered stations being constructed as part of level crossing removals. [56] From 2023, Glen Huntly station will be lowered as part of level crossing removal works. In 2025, Parkdale station will be elevated, with Highett, Mordialloc, and Seaford stations being elevated from 2029 for similar works. Aspendale station will also be lowered from 2029. [57]
Station | Accessibility | Opened | Terrain | Train connections | Other connections |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flinders Street | Yes—step free access | 1854 [5] | Lowered | ||
Richmond | No—steep ramp | 1859 [5] | Elevated | ||
South Yarra | 1860 [5] | Lowered | 3 connections | ||
Hawksburn | 1889 | ||||
Toorak | 1879 [5] | ||||
Armadale | |||||
Malvern | 2 connections | ||||
Caulfield | Ground level | 3 connections | |||
Glen Huntly | Yes—step free access | 1881 [5] | Lowered | ||
Ormond | |||||
McKinnon | 1884 [5] | ||||
Bentleigh | 1881 [5] | ||||
Patterson | 1961 [5] | Elevated | |||
Moorabbin | No—steep ramp | 1881 [5] | Lowered | ||
Highett | Yes—step free access | Ground level | |||
Southland | 2017 [5] | ||||
Cheltenham | 1881 [5] | Lowered | |||
Mentone | |||||
Parkdale | 1919 [5] | Ground level | |||
Mordialloc | No—steep ramp | 1881 [5] | |||
Aspendale | Yes—step free access | 1891 [5] | |||
Edithvale | 1919 [5] | Lowered | |||
Chelsea | 1907 [5] | ||||
Bonbeach | 1926 [5] | ||||
Carrum | 1882 [5] | Elevated | |||
Seaford | 1913 [5] | Ground level | |||
Kananook | 1975 [5] | ||||
Frankston | 1882 [5] | 1 connection |
Station | Opened [58] | Closed [58] | Age | Notes [58] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parliament | 22 January 1983 || || data-sort-value=15,299 | 41 years |
| ||
Melbourne Central | 26 January 1981 || || data-sort-value=16,025 | 43 years |
| ||
Flagstaff | 27 May 1985 || || data-sort-value=14,443 | 39 years |
| ||
Southern Cross | 17 January 1859 || || data-sort-value=60,594 | 165 years |
| ||
Flinders Street | 12 September 1854 || || data-sort-value=62,182 | 170 years |
| ||
Princes Bridge | 8 February 1859 || 1 October 1866 || data-sort-value=2,792 | 7 years | |||
2 April 1879 || 30 June 1980 || data-sort-value=36,979 | 101 years | ||||
Botanic Gardens | 2 March 1859 || c.April 1862 || data-sort-value=1,136 | Approx.3 years | |||
Punt Road | 8 February 1859 || 12 December 1859 || data-sort-value=307 | 10 months |
| ||
Richmond | 12 December 1859 || || data-sort-value=60,265 | 164 years |
| ||
Cremorne | 12 December 1859 || c.28 December 1863 || data-sort-value=1,477 | Approx.4 years | |||
South Yarra | 22 December 1860 || || data-sort-value=59,889 | 163 years |
| ||
Hawksburn | 7 May 1889 || || data-sort-value=49,526 | 135 years | |||
Toorak | 7 May 1879 || || data-sort-value=53,179 | 145 years | |||
Armadale | 7 May 1879 || || data-sort-value=53,179 | 145 years | |||
Malvern | 7 May 1879 || || data-sort-value=53,179 | 145 years | |||
Caulfield | 7 May 1879 || || data-sort-value=53,179 | 145 years | |||
Glen Huntly | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years |
| ||
Ormond | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years |
| ||
McKinnon | 1 September 1884 || || data-sort-value=51,235 | 140 years |
| ||
Bentleigh | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years |
| ||
Patterson | 28 May 1961 || || data-sort-value=23,208 | 63 years | |||
Moorabbin | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years |
| ||
Highett | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years |
| ||
Southland | 26 November 2017 || || data-sort-value=2,572 | 7 years | |||
Cheltenham | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years | |||
Mentone | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years |
| ||
Parkdale | 1 September 1919 || || data-sort-value=38,453 | 105 years | |||
Mordialloc | 19 December 1881 || || data-sort-value=52,222 | 142 years | |||
Aspendale | c.April 1891 || || data-sort-value=48,822 | Approx.133 years |
| ||
Edithvale | 20 September 1919 || || data-sort-value=38,434 | 105 years | |||
Chelsea | 4 February 1907 || || data-sort-value=43,045 | 117 years | |||
Bonbeach | 15 February 1926 || || data-sort-value=36,094 | 98 years | |||
Carrum | 1 August 1882 || || data-sort-value=51,997 | 142 years | |||
Crystal Sand Siding | 13 November 1923 || 6 November 1934 || data-sort-value=4,011 | 10 years |
| ||
Monolyte Siding | c.14 December 1914 || c.27 January 1919 || data-sort-value=1,505 | Approx.4 years | |||
McCulloch's Siding | 22 January 1919 || c.2 February 1954 || data-sort-value=12,795 | Approx.35 years | |||
Kelvin's Siding | 11 December 1911 || 27 January 1919 || data-sort-value=2,604 | 7 years |
| ||
Albion Sand Siding | 22 April 1912 || 25 February 1936 || data-sort-value=8,709 | 23 years |
| ||
Seaford | 1 December 1913 || || data-sort-value=40,553 | 111 years | |||
Kananook | 25 August 1975 || || data-sort-value=18,006 | 49 years | |||
Frankston | 1 August 1882 || || data-sort-value=51,997 | 142 years |
The Frankston line uses three different types of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains that are operated in a split six-car configuration, with three doors per side on each carriage. The primary rolling stock featured on the line is the Comeng EMUs, built by Commonwealth Engineering between 1981 and 1988. [59] These train sets are the oldest on the Melbourne rail network and subsequently will be replaced by the mid-2030s. [60] Siemens Nexas EMUs are also widely featured on the line, originally built between 2002 and 2005 these train sets feature more modern technology than the Comeng trains. [61] The final type of rolling stock featured on the line is the X'Trapolis 100 built by Alstom between 2002 and 2004, and 2009 and 2020. [4] All of these rolling stock models are widely used on other lines across the metropolitan network and work as the backbone of the network.
Alongside the passenger trains, Frankston line tracks and equipment are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The four types of engineering trains are: the shunting train; designed for moving trains along non-electrified corridors and for transporting other maintenance locomotives, for track evaluation; designed for evaluating track and its condition, the overhead inspection train; designed for overhead wiring inspection, and the infrastructure evaluation carriage designed for general infrastructure evaluation. [62] Most of these trains are repurposed locomotives previously used by V/Line, Metro Trains, and the Southern Shorthaul Railroad. [62]
From the middle of 2020s, the next generation of the X'Trapolis family of electric EMUs—the X'Trapolis 2.0—will be introduced. This new model will fully replace the existing fleet of Comeng EMUs currently operating on the line currently with new, modern, and technologically advanced trains. The new trains will include features designed to increase passenger comfort like quicker doors, allowing for reduced boarding times, passenger information systems to display relevant information about the train and its journey, designated bicycle storage areas, and 6 cars that are fully walk through. [63] For reliability, the trains have a higher energy efficiency to work with a lower network voltage. [63] Finally, accessibility is improved through new interior designs featuring fold-up seating to allow additional space for wheelchair users and passenger operated automatic wheelchair ramps (located behind the two driver cabs). [63]
In compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, all stations that are new-built or rebuilt are fully accessible and comply with these guidelines. [64] The majority of stations on the corridor are fully accessible, however, some stations have not been upgraded. [65] These stations do feature ramps, however, they have a gradient greater than 1 in 14. [65] Stations that are fully accessible feature ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14, have at-grade paths, or feature lifts. [65] These stations typically also feature tactile boarding indicators, independent boarding ramps, wheelchair accessible myki barriers, hearing loops, and widened paths. [65] [66]
Projects improving station accessibility have included the Level Crossing Removal Project, which involves station rebuilds and upgrades and other individual station upgrade projects. [67] [68] These works have made significant strides in improving network accessibility, with more than 68% of Frankston line stations classed as fully accessible. This number is expected to grow within the coming years with the completion of level crossing removal works on the corridor by 2029. [69]
The Frankston line uses three position signalling which is widely used across the Melbourne train network. [70] Three position signalling was first introduced in 1915, with the final section of the line converted to the new type of signalling in 1976. [71]
The City Loop is a piece of underground commuter rail infrastructure in the central business district (CBD) of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Hawksburn railway station is a commuter railway station located in the southern Melbourne suburb of South Yarra in Victoria, Australia. Hawksburn is a below ground unstaffed station, featuring four platforms with an island platform and two side platforms accessible by a pedestrian bridge. The station is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, and was opened on 7 May 1879.
Toorak railway station is a commuter railway station on the northern boundary of Armadale, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The station is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, and was opened on 7 May 1879. The station is named after the nearby suburb of Toorak—located north of the station. The station consists of an island platform and two side platforms all accessed by a pedestrian bridge. There are two principal station buildings located on the central platform and on platform 4, consisting of a small two and one-story brick buildings. These buildings were provided in 1914, as ticketing and staff offices. The station is only partially accessible due to a multiple steep access ramps.
Armadale railway station is a commuter railway station in Armadale, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The station is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and was opened on 7 May 1879. The station consists of an island platform and two side platforms, all accessed by a pedestrian bridge. There are two principal station buildings located on the central platform and on platform 4, consisting of a small two and one-story brick buildings. These buildings were provided in 1914 as ticketing and staff offices. The station is only partially accessible due to a multiple steep access ramps.
Malvern railway station is a commuter railway station that is part of the Melbourne railway network in Victoria, Australia. The station is located on the southern border of Malvern, a suburb of Melbourne, and was opened on 7 May 1879. The station complex consists of an island platform and two side platforms all accessed by a pedestrian bridge. There are two red brick Edwardian-era station buildings, constructed in 1914 as ticketing and staff offices. The entire complex is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register because of its architectural significance and its role in the development of Malvern as a significant metropolitan centre. The station is only partially accessible because of multiple steep access ramps.
Caulfield railway station is a commuter railway station on the northern boundary of Caulfield East, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Opened in 1879 and rebuilt from 1913 to 1914, the station complex is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and is noted as an example of Federation Free Style architecture. It is named after the nearby suburb of Caulfield, located southwest of the station.
Glen Huntly railway station is a commuter railway station located in the south-eastern suburb of Glen Huntly in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The station had various forms of the name Glen Huntly, which it initially opened as "Glen Huntly Road" upon its opening in 1881. It was renamed to Glen Huntly a year later on 1 September 1882, it was then renamed to "Glenhuntly" on 20 April 1937. It was given its current name to "Glen Huntly" on 13 April 2023 as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project. Glen Huntly is a below ground host station, consisting of three platforms, a single island platform with two faces and a single side platform, connected by staircases, lifts and a ground level concourse on Glen Huntly Road. The station was previously at ground level upon its opening on 19 December 1881 until 31 March 2023; however, in July 2023, a new below ground station was provided and rebuilt as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Mentone railway station is a commuter railway station on the Frankston line, which is part of the Melbourne railway network. It serves the south-eastern suburb of Mentone, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Mentone station is a below ground premium station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 19 December 1881, with the current station provided in 2020.
Mordialloc railway station is a commuter railway station on the Frankston line, which is part of the Melbourne railway network. It serves the south-eastern suburb of Mordialloc, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Mordialloc station is a ground level premium station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 19 December 1881.
Edithvale railway station is a commuter railway station on the Frankston line, which is part of the Melbourne railway network. It serves the south-eastern suburb of Edithvale, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Edithvale station is a ground level unstaffed station, featuring two side platforms. It opened on 20 September 1919, with the current station provided in 2021.
Proposals for expansion of the Melbourne rail network are commonly presented by political parties, government agencies, industry organisations and public transport advocacy groups. The extensions proposed take a variety of forms: electrification of existing routes to incorporate them into the suburban rail system; reconstruction of former passenger rail lines along pre-existing easements; entirely new routes intended to serve new areas with heavy rail or provide alternative routes in congested areas; or track amplification along existing routes to provide segregation of services. Other proposals are for the construction of new or relocated stations on existing lines, to provide improved access to public transport services.
The Pakenham line is a commuter railway line on the Melbourne metropolitan railway network serving the city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, the line is coloured light blue and is one of the two lines that constitute the Caulfield group. It is the city's longest metropolitan railway line at 57 kilometres (35 mi). The line runs from Flinders Street station in central Melbourne to East Pakenham station in the south-east, serving 27 stations via South Yarra, Caulfield, Oakleigh, and Dandenong.
The Sandringham line is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's fourth shortest metropolitan railway line at 17.9 kilometres (11.1 mi). The line runs from Flinders Street station in central Melbourne to Sandringham station in the south-east, serving 14 stations via South Yarra, Balaclava, Elsternwick, and Brighton. The line operates from approximately 5am to 12am, daily, with 24 hour service available on Friday and Saturday nights. Services run every 7–8 minutes during peak hour, with services running every 15 minutes during the inter-peak period on weekdays, and every 20 minutes at night and during the day on weekends. Additionally, services run every 60 minutes overnight on Friday and Saturday nights as part of the Night Network. Trains on the Sandringham line run with a two three-car formations of Comeng or Siemens Nexas trainsets.
The Cranbourne line is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's second longest metropolitan railway line at 44 kilometres (27 mi). The line runs from Flinders Street station in central Melbourne to Cranbourne station in the south-east, serving 24 stations via the City Loop, South Yarra, Caulfield, Oakleigh, and Dandenong. The line operates for approximately 20 hours a day with 24 hour service available on Friday and Saturday nights. During peak hour, headways of up to 5 to 15 minutes are operated with services every 15–20 minutes during off-peak hours. Trains on the Cranbourne line run with a seven-car formation operated by High Capacity Metro Trains.
The Werribee line is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's ninth longest metropolitan railway line at 32.9 kilometres (20.4 mi).
The Williamstown line is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's third shortest metropolitan railway line at 16.2 kilometres (10.1 mi).
The Melbourne rail network is a metropolitan suburban and freight rail system serving the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The metropolitan rail network is centred around the Melbourne central business district (CBD) and consists of 221 railway stations across 16 lines, which served a patronage of 182.5 million over the year 2023–2024. It is the core of the larger Victorian railway network, with regional links to both intrastate and interstate rail systems.
The Stony Point line is a commuter railway line in the outer metropolitan area of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's only diesel service on the metropolitan network and the tenth longest line at 31 kilometres (19 mi). The line acts as an extension of the Frankston line with services running from Frankston station to the small town of Stony Point in the south-east, serving 10 stations via Leawarra, Baxter, Hastings, and Bittern. The line operates for approximately 13 hours a day, unlike other lines on the network, which provide 24-hour service on Friday and Saturday nights. Headways of 90 to 120 minutes are operated throughout the day due to limited patronage and infrastructure constraints. Trains on the Stony Point line run as two one-car formations of V/Line Sprinter DMUs.
The Craigieburn line is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's seventh shortest metropolitan railway line at 27.0 kilometres (16.8 mi). The line runs from Flinders Street station in central Melbourne to Craigieburn station in the north, serving 21 stations via North Melbourne, Essendon, and Broadmeadows. The line operates for approximately 19 hours a day with 24 hour service available on Friday and Saturday nights. During peak hour, headways of up to 5 minutes are operated with services every 20–30 minutes during off-peak hours. Trains on the Craigieburn line run with a two three-car formations of Comeng or Siemens Nexas trainsets.
The Mornington railway line, in Melbourne, Australia, was a rural railway branching off from the Stony Point railway line at Baxter. The line had a life of 92 years, opening in 1889, and closing in 1981.