Transport set to thrive

TWO major transport projects are set to benefit commuters in Pakenham after receiving funding in the State Budget.
A $9.4 million Cardinia Road upgrade will see the road duplicated and a $25 million upgrade to the Dandenong train line will improve services along the Pakenham line.
Congestion will ease on Cardinia Road with the duplication between Princes Highway and Shearwater Drive, Pakenham.
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin said the Cardinia Road project was a vital project for the growing communities of Officer and Pakenham.
“Not only will it significantly improve traffic flow, it will also ensure pedestrians and cyclists have a safe place to cross the road to access Cardinia Road railway station, Lakeside Primary School and the new shopping centre in Devonia Park,” he said.
Member for Eastern Victorian Region Edward O’Donohue said the duplication would ensure the safety of commuters, pedestrians, cyclists and residents in the area.
The Pakenham and Cranbourne train lines are also due for significant upgrades after $25 million was committed over the next four years for upgrades to the Dandenong line.
A sum of $25 million has also been allocated to improve bus services in the growth corridor.
Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the funding would significantly improve public transport services for residents who live along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.
The upgrades will include additional morning and afternoon peak services.
“For residents living beyond Dandenong on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, off peak frequencies will be improved to every 20 minutes – a huge improvement from the current 30 minutes off peak frequency,” Mr Mulder said.
Mr Mulder added that the Dandenong corridor is one of the busiest on the network with more than 65,000 passenger trips on a typical week day.
“These additional peak services and increased frequency in the off peak will reduce waiting times for passengers and provide greater flexibility for those travelling on the line,” he said.
In addition to these improvements planned for 2014 timetable upgrades, PTV’s rail plan also sets out to increase capacity on the Dandenong rail corridor with new, high capacity trains that can carry more than 1100 passengers and eventually up to 1600 passengers.