FIVE return train services per day to Epsom and Eaglehawk will be the first changes to take place as part of the Bendigo Metro Rail project.
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Metro rail taskforce chair Maree Edwards presented the group’s recommendations on Friday, outlining how $2 million will be spent on improving train services in Bendigo.
The increased services to Epsom and Eaglehawk were the only physical changes to come during Stage 1, along with including Kangaroo Flat on every trip between Bendigo and Melbourne.
The first stage also includes a marketing campaign to promote public transport and seeking to better connect buses with trains.
Ms Edwards said the Bendigo Metro Rail process would be staged over a number of years.
“This is a staged approach, so what we want to see is the community – who had such a great input into the recommendations – to actually use the services once they are implemented,” she said.
“That’s the whole point of this. Getting the community back onto public transport and getting those cars off the roads.
“We know Bendigo has a huge growing population so it’s imperative that we use the infrastructure that we already have.”
Recommendations for Stage 2 include further services to Epsom, Eaglehawk, Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat, as well as station upgrades and connectivity with walking and cycling paths.
The third stage contains the most ambitious outcomes.
These include 20 minute peak and 40 minute off-peak services between Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat, with alternating services to Epsom and Eaglehawk at peak times.
A Bendigo Metro Rail shuttle service was also included in the recommendations, moving passengers between the city’s stations to align with rail services.
The recommendations were made by the group including community representatives from schools, health services, businesses and community groups.
A technical working group including Public Transport Victoria, V/Line and transport operators also provided input.
Minister for Public Transports Jacinta Allan said the government would consider funding for Stages 2 and 3 once it had examined the report.
“This is one of the things that is going to be examined as the government works its way through the response to the taskforce’s good work,” she said.
