Melbourne’s new trains have started taking passengers on the Sunbury Line ahead of schedule, in preparation for the opening of the Metro Tunnel.
This follows months of testing to ensure the High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) run safely and reliably on the Sunbury Line, says Victoria Big Build.
The new trains will run on two morning peak services (7.04am and 8.14am) every weekday from Sunbury to Flinders St.
A further 34 HCMTs will complete the Sunbury Line fleet when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025.
Each HCMT can comfortably carry 1,100 passengers – 20% more than any other train on the network. They are a full carriage longer than the older models and are equipped with 510 seats.
HCMTs have better accessibility features including a clear walkway through the entire train, 14 allocated spaces at accessible boarding doors and a hearing aid loop.
The Sunbury Line Upgrade prepared the line for the new trains to run and was completed in mid-2023.
When the Metro Tunnel opens, Sunbury Line passengers will have access to five new underground stations – Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.