To create capacity for an additional 113,000 passengers each week, bigger, more modern High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMTs) will run on the Sunbury Line from 2025. More frequent services will also help boost capacity, with next-generation High Capacity Signalling (HCS) enabling ‘turn up and go’ services along sections of the Sunbury Line.
High Capacity Metro Trains
HCMTs will run along the Sunbury Line and via the Metro Tunnel from 2025. These bigger, more modern trains can carry 20% more passengers and will provide a smoother, quieter ride.
We’ve extended station platforms along the line to fit these longer trains and installed raised platform boarding pads to improve accessibility. These upgrades will provide a better experience for passengers, with improved seating, standing areas, cooling and heating designed for Melbourne’s weather.
To enable more services to run on the Sunbury Line, we’ve also expanded train stabling facilities at Watergardens, Calder Park and Sunbury to fit the 65 new HCMTs that will run on the line from 2025.
The Department of Transport and Planning is delivering the new HCMTs on behalf of the Victorian Government, and the Evolution Rail consortium is manufacturing the trains at its facility in Newport.
Find out more about HCMTs.
High Capacity Signalling
Over the course of the project, the Sunbury Line Upgrade has installed next-generation High Capacity Signalling (HCS) on the Sunbury Line as well as upgrading conventional signalling that already exists on the line.
By installing HCS on the Sunbury Line, we’re enabling HCMTs to travel on the new Sunbury to Cranbourne/Pakenham corridor created by the Metro Tunnel. HCS is the signalling system that communicates with each HCMT, allowing services to run closer together while actively maintaining a safe distance to the train ahead.
Beyond 2025, trains operating on the Sunbury Line will continue to run on both HCS and conventional signalling, allowing metropolitan, freight and regional services to all safely operate on the one system.
Find out more about HCS and the Metro Tunnel.
