The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) network will be a sustainable transport project in Victorian history, helping the state reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Not only will SRL see 600,000 fewer cars on our roads every day and 2.2 million fewer passenger kilometres – saving our economy half a billion dollars – trains will be powered by 100% renewable energy, with efficient design delivering a 5-star Green Star rating for all stations.
Sustainability measures at the forefront of its design and delivery. Energy efficient, high-tech SRL trains will use regenerative braking – capturing and re-using energy to slash power use by as much as a third. The train network will be powered through alternating current, which needs less power and fewer substations.
And the environmental commitment extends beyond the rail line. By 2050, we’ll have doubled the tree canopy in SRL Precincts, replacing each tree impacted by construction with up to three trees. This will ensure SRL creates cool and green inviting public spaces in the neighbourhoods around each station.
SRL will include the Victorian Government’s Recycled First Policy, which requires contractors to incorporate as much recycled and reused material as possible into transport projects.
SRL will transform Melbourne into a ‘city of centres’, with transport, high-quality jobs and services all within a short walk, cycle or public transport trip.
The turn-up-and-go train service will be a major boost to public transport – 230,000 more public transport trips are expected to be taken across Melbourne as a result of SRL, and it will result in 2.4 million extra walking or cycling trips every day.
Works to deliver SRL East will start in 2022, generating 800 direct jobs during Initial and Early Works and up to 8000 direct local jobs during major construction.
Communities are encouraged to continue to have their say, including making formal submissions as part of the SRL East Environment Effects Statement (EES) from Friday 5 November to 16 December.