Melburnians have written in with their thoughts on the tunnel. Here are some of their views.
Nick said: Currently at Parkville station heading home towards West Footscray. I’ve been really impressed with the accessibility options on the platforms. The design and colour scheme is also very appealing.
Another reader wasn’t so impressed. They said: Just spare a thought for the western tunnel residents that will have to listen to extra heavy, slow-moving, rumbling trains go by every 90 seconds, and they can’t even use the train because South Kensington wasn’t included.
Frank said: Maybe if they spent less money on “unique” designs for each station (lovely but totally over the top – there’s a fine line between great design and overdesign and not working within a budget and things that are “nice to have” – they could have built Metro 2 to Fishermans Bend (that’s a real folly) and they should have built a station connecting at South Yarra … And unlike other metros around the world, they didn’t allow for over-station development at places like Arden..
Then there are the issues around electromagnetic interference at the hospitals …
With this blowout in costs, imagine what the suburban loop will cost if it ever is completed? Meanwhile, outer suburbs get dudded on basic bus services.
Under the lights at Anzac station.Credit: Chris Hopkins
Simon said: Very impressed at how well-designed the stations are, particularly how the new concourse at State Library will help capacity at Melbourne Central. Hopefully will increase momentum for the much-needed airport rail and the Melton and Wyndham Vale electrifications.
Another Melburnian said: Wonderful civic pride and excitement. Long-running station design flaws continue: poor shelter from rain, insufficient seating, fonts too small on signage and screens. Train ventilation still awful. Comically amateurish platform announcements, often with separate platforms announcing simultaneously. On-train announcements often inaudible. But an exciting day. Thanks, Victorians.
