Melbourne Airport should have a dedicated express rail service linking the nation’s second-busiest aerotropolis directly to the city’s CBD according to four out of five Australian’s participating in a survey conducted by the Tourism & Transport Forum and Pure Profile.
The survey which attracted over 2,700 respondents nationally found that 82 per cent of commuters preferred a dedicated rail link from the airport to the city that departed every 10 minutes and slashed travel times between the two to only 20 minutes.
More than 1000 Victorians voted on their preference for a direct line with NSW following just behind with just over 900 people surveyed showing the same preference.
Speaking about the proposed Airport Link, TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said, “This is an incredibly strong response from those surveyed who firmly believe that the Melbourne Airport rail link needs to be a dedicated service if it is to further cement the city’s global city aspirations.
“This is game-changing infrastructure and a once in a generation opportunity that Victoria must get right,” Ms Osmond said.
“The long-awaited Rail Link must be a dedicated service for those travelling to and from Melbourne Airport not be part of the suburban rail network which is already at capacity and subject to delays across the commuter network.
“If it is to be successful and help to solve increased congestion between Tullamarine and the CBD the rail link needs to provide a faster service than current road transport options currently available, frequently depart, be easily accessible and make the commute a good experience for both business and leisure travellers.”
Ms Osmond said Victorian and travellers to Victoria both from interstate and overseas should have a rail link from the city to the CBD that is comparable with the other great cities of the world.
“As Melbourne’s status as a global tourism destination continues to grow, this is such an important opportunity to show the city is truly world-class.”
Ms Osmond urged the Victorian State Government to be bold and make the right decision on this vital transport link.
“It would be such a shame to see such a missed opportunity for a world-class city to slip by.”
94% of respondents also believed that the Melbourne Airport Rail Link needs to make it faster and easier for Victorians and tourists to get to regional Victoria from the airport.
“One of my steadfast beliefs is that if a city is easily accessible and easy to get around for its residents, then it will be fabulous for its visitors,” Ms Osmond said.
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