A Victorian government commitment to include an airport rail link as part of the 2014 budget has been welcomed by Melbourne Airport management.
The electrified rail link is to be built between South Cross Station in the city to Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine, according to State Premier Denis Napthine.
Adam Watson, acting CEO for Melbourne Airport, described the move as a great solution that would provide added options and convenience for everyone travelling between Melbourne and the airport.
He said that, combined with the widening to three lanes of Tullamarine Freeway, the link would support the airport’s future growth and also assist in reducing road congestion.
The added infrastructure of a rail link was also seen as a way to improve the overall experience of visiting Melbourne. Airport figures indicate over 30 million travellers passed through its gates last year – a figure that is expected to double by 2033.
Melbourne Airport is also a magnet for the tourist dollars that is helping to drive the economy, with merchandise plus brochure, flyer and postcard printing in big demand. Opened in 1970, the airport has grown to be the second busiest in Australia.
Work is now underway for a major transformation to be undertaken over a 20 year period, at a cost of about $10 billion, to address the rapidly increasing passenger numbers.
