Cutting $1 billion from SRL to ‘add to travel times and deter commuters’

Premier Ben Carroll's $1 billion cost-cutting measures on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) have sparked controversy among planners and local authorities, with concerns that the cuts will increase travel times and discourage commuters from using the project. The government announced last Tuesday that it would eliminate underground station interchanges at Box Hill and Glen Waverley, remove pedestrian overpasses in Burwood and Cheltenham, and abandon a multi-level car park to reduce expenses on the $33.3 billion rail initiative. These changes aim to streamline the project and avoid unnecessary expenditures, according to officials. Transport planning experts argue that the removal of these features will undermine the SRL’s effectiveness. They contend that interconnectivity between new SRL East stations and existing ones is crucial, and eliminating interchanges risks transforming the orbital rail line into an isolated radial system akin to Melbourne’s current infrastructure. Joe Armao, representing the government, stated that the changes ensure practicality without superfluous elements such as overpasses, walkways, and car parks, calling them “nice to have” rather than essential. Professor Jago Dodson of RMIT University emphasized that the project remains costly, suggesting that investing in accessibility could enhance its appeal and usage. He warned that increased travel times might make public transit less competitive with private vehicles, thereby failing to achieve the desired shift in commuting habits. “The more compromises made around connectivity and convenient transfers, the less it becomes an integrated network,” he noted. Dr Jane Bringolf, chair of the Centre of University Design Australia, highlighted the negative impact on individuals with mobility challenges. She pointed out that longer routes could pose significant barriers for people with disabilities or chronic health conditions, potentially deterring them from using the network. “Interchanges are essential for the smooth running of any transport system,” she asserted. Associate Professor Jo Kuys from Swinburne University acknowledged that while seamless underground interchanges are ideal, the decision to remove them at specific locations would not create “extreme inconvenience.” Research indicates that a 400-metre walk, taking about five minutes, is manageable for most commuters, though distances exceeding 800 metres or requiring a 10-minute walk may prove problematic. In response, a state government spokesperson defended the changes, stating that replacing underground interchanges with surface transfers would provide safer and more efficient alternatives. The spokesperson claimed the adjustments would save $1 billion immediately and prevent further costs associated with expanding the project’s scope. They assured that the modifications would not affect operations on the opening day in 2035, emphasizing that the SRL would still connect Monash and Deakin by rail for the first time. Deakin University expressed willingness to collaborate with the government following the changes to the Burwood interchange. A university representative stressed the importance of maintaining safe and direct access to campus for students, staff, and the broader community. A recent report by the Victorian Auditor-General raised concerns about the financial implications of the cuts. It revealed that the government had not accounted for the cost of station interchanges in its initial budgeting, casting doubt on whether the proposed savings would materialize. The Suburban Rail Loop Authority clarified that these items are classified as potential future scope options rather than approved project costs.