Epsom train station officially opens

Mr Mulder said the station was a "magnificent asset" to the Epsom community.

He said he was thrilled Epsom people would have a station for the first time in 40 years.

He said Epsom residents would no longer have to travel to central Bendigo to get to get to Melbourne.

He also announced the government was rolling out a new bus app in Bendigo.

He said the app would allow people to track when their bus was coming.

City of Greater Bendigo councillor James Williams said he was delighted with the new station.

He said he would like to see more suburban stations open across Bendigo, for a suburban rail network to be developed.

Mr Mulder said the government would consider the proposal.

EARLIER: A community celebration at the new Epsom station today will pave the way for the first V/Line train in 40 years to service the area.

Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said the $7.76 million Epsom and Eaglehawk Rail Improvements were a great example of the wider benefits a station can bring to a regional growth area.

“Tomorrow, we’ll see this is not just a $7.76 million investment in a station; we’ll see this is a $7.76 million investment in the people of Greater Bendigo,” Mr Mulder said.

Liberal candidate for Bendigo East Greg Bickley said that people in the growing Epsom area were looking forward to using the new station when services begin tomorrow.

“Four months ago work started on this project, and now we’re just one day from being able to jump on a train,” Mr Bickley said.

“The community has rallied behind the new station, and I’m sure there will be a few very excited people ready to make the historic 10.10am trip to Bendigo and on to Melbourne tomorrow morning.”

Mr Mulder said that there would be four trains a day stopping at Epsom, with two services heading to Melbourne and two services coming from Melbourne.

“For residents who need to get to Melbourne early, there is 5.58am train, which will get passengers into Southern Cross at 8.13am, in time for early morning meetings and appointments, which is a great result,” Mr Mulder said.

The new Epsom Station includes:

   ·    100 car parks;

   ·    two drop-off car parks;

   ·    fully accessible facilities;

   ·    two shelters;

   ·    nine bicycle hoops; and

   ·    a bus bay on Station Street.

Improvements made to Eaglehawk Station included building a new accessible ramp to access the pedestrian crossing and a new drivers access pathway.

For more information the Epsom and Eaglehawk Rail Improvements, visit www.ptv.vic.gov.au/epsomandeaglehawk  or call 1800 800 007 (6am – midnight).