Six million people a year would use train to Melbourne Airport

[PLANT]

I think they should replicate Brisbane...... I like having a carriage or two to myself
Buy online.... Cheaper tickets too!

 

[JessicaTam]

...

That said, I can understand the ALP wanting to get their Metro line going first before committing to the airport line. Given how politicised urban planning is, they really need to get serious work done on the Metro before the next election so it can't be cancelled if the Coalition wins.

...

My understanding was the metro tunnel had to be built first to allow capacity for the airport train.

 

[seanpodge]

My understanding was the metro tunnel had to be built first to allow capacity for the airport train.

Heard that too. Not sure I fully believe it, though. Although I'd be willing to concede that the metro tunnel is probably more important than rail to the airport and so will get the budget funds first.

 

[JohnK]

I used the DART from DFW to Dallas on Wednesday. So easy and dropped me off very near my hotel.
Only $2.50 for a 2 hour ticket.

Just do it Melbourne!

But not for $2.50 per ticket. More like 6 times that price and you'd be close.

 

[PLANT]

Still cheaper than Skybus!!!
Faster than Broadie and 901.
I was at transurban agm today.... Definately space for line up the guts of freeway!

 

[serfty]

But not for $2.50 per ticket. More like 6 times that price and you'd be close.

In Melbourne it can be done (MEL to/from CBD) for $3.90 - just takes an hour or so.

Of course you need a Myki.

 

[NZflygirl]

I think they should replicate Brisbane...... I like having a carriage or two to myself
Buy online.... Cheaper tickets too!

Nobody on that BNE train because it's so flipping expensive! I cringe at it! I've taken to trialling the qantas transfers at BNE which are door to door at least. Taxis are even more ridiculous.

 

[whatmeworry]

Victorian state government announced a 2.7 billion dollar surplus. I wouldn't be surprised if the airport train remains in zone 2.

 

[Hvr]

Have just caught the E train into New York (well Queens) and again quite easy. Even the huge number of tourists trying to work out the Air Train/Subway transfer pricing didn't delay the journey for too long.

My subway trip went very quickly due to a young lady offering to assist with directions and then having a good conversation on the journey in. A genuine person who was interested in the world and not trying to scam me. There are good people out there if you listen and respond with thought and care.

 

[wandering_fred]

Normally the space on a train is a lot more than on a bus. An added plus is the accident rate with trains is rather lower than motor vehicles on a highway.

And I have only ever been on one train with a flat wheel... (Peru 1983)

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[whatmeworry]

Train system in Melbourne looked quite looked bleak in the 90's.

 

[moa999]

Have just caught the E train into New York (well Queens) and again quite easy. Even the huge number of tourists trying to work out the Air Train/Subway transfer pricing didn't delay the journey for too long.

Much like the 901 plus train

 

[travelislife]

Train system in Melbourne looked quite looked bleak in the 90's.

View attachment 86064

Wow! Lucky that didn't get up!

 

[Melburnian1]

In Melbourne it can be done (MEL to/from CBD) for $3.90 - just takes an hour or so.

Of course you need a Myki.

A timely reminder for Christmas and school holiday/ New Year travellers from serfty that provided one has a little time available - more likely for leisure travellers than those on business - travelling by Metro train to Broadmeadows on the Craigieburn line and then by the 901 SmartBus from outside the Broady station - one minute from the train that has come from Flinders Street - can be almost as quick as roadworks or traffic-delayed, super expensive car parking, Skybuses, Ubers or taxis, especially when the 901 is operating its 15 minute frequency on weekdays until about 2100 hours.

Being public transport, it's a good idea to use www.ptv.vic.gov.au to plan a trip, remembering to deselect the airport buses at the bottom of the form when one is typing in the journey - otherwise it will automatically direct travellers to Skybus.

It's an even better idea to look at the Metro Craigieburn line and SmartBus route 901 timetables in detail to get an idea of when the next bus or train is if one mode runs late:

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/3

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/7531

The timetables are dynamic, particularly when there are public holidays so one always needs to select the exact date on which travel is to occur. Occasionally there is Metro trackwork (most often on weekends or partial weeknights) so if that is on, avoid use of this alternative as it takes too long.

In reverse, dragging a suitcase down (easy) and up (harder) the ramps at Broadmeadows to get to the platform for trains to Flinders Street is a pain but I and plenty of others have done it.

The Broadmeadows interchange is in an unattractive area but I've never had any trouble, and at night from 1800 hours until the last train there should be two quasi-police roaming around. The bus waiting area is exposed to Pascoe Vale Road traffic but fortunately the office block has a verandah so one generally does not get rained upon - although it can be chilly in winter early in the morning or the evening, with a windy, chilly period being worst.

Users can buy a myki (adults $6) from the blue myki machine in the T2 international arrivals hall, landside, at Melbourne Airport or supposedly from the bus driver. Topping up is also available from the myki machine or again (should be) on board the bus (no change given for latter) with a suggested minimum amount of A$10 making the cost A$16 including the smartcard. From 1 January, a day's travel (zones 1 and 2) becomes A$8.20 which while a five per cent rise on 2016 fares, and therefore way above inflation, is still excellent value compared to what Skybus charges. With this A$8.20 you can transfer between trains, trams and buses all day long within the defined Melbourne metropolitan area, which is spread out.

At Melbourne Airport, the ground floor bus stop location in the car park opposite T4 is not ideal but again it's not all that hard for able bodied passengers to pull a suitcase to or from. It is closest to JQ and TT, then VA, then international flights with the longest walk being to QF's T1.

By using the 901/ Metro train combo and not parking a vehicle at the airport, catching a taxi, Uber or Skybus one can save anything from $30 return (Skybus) to potentially above $100 return (other modes) which is money in one's pocket without major inconvenience, especially if one boards or alights from a Metro train on another line close to one's home or destination.

 

[clifford]

Nice summary M1. As a non-Melburnian (I did live there for a year in the 80's), it will be of limited use to me, but at least I now know how to get to the city/suburbs at reasonable cost. I assume there are discounts for seniors card holders.

Still not quite as good as SYD ($2.50/day using 400 bus) or ADL, but going in the right direction.

 

[Melburnian1]

I assume there are discounts for seniors card holders.

Yes, typically half fare. The myki card cost drops to A$3. Free travel on weekends for Victorian seniors:

https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/concessions/seniors/

 

[wandering_fred]

How long is the myki valid if not used? The HK travel card I believe is three years. Some day I will ask about Perth.

If the various Australian capital cities were a bit more travel/tourist appreciative, the Australian Seniors Cards would be transferable between states.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[Melburnian1]

If the various Australian capital cities were a bit more travel/tourist appreciative, the Australian Seniors Cards would be transferable between states.

Four years = validity. Some places overseas are more for similar cards.

 

[opusman]

While the myki cards do expire (for some unknown reason), note that any unused balance can be transferred to a new card free of charge.

 

[moa999]

While the myki cards do expire (for some unknown reason), note that any unused balance can be transferred to a new card free of charge.

And they will also post you a replacement card (at least within oz)