A MERRICKS North resident has voiced their frustration over the lack of a convenient train service from Bittern station that allows commuters to reach the Melbourne CBD by 9am.
Claire Scorpo, who travels to the city two to three times a week for work, said the Stony Point train timetable needed to be reviewed promptly so that a service would allow commuters to arrive in town before the workday begins. Currently her options from Bittern station are the 6.23am service, which arrives at 7.50am or the 8.06am service, which arrives at 10am, “making it impossible to start work on time”.
The earlier time, she said, was too early and made it difficult to manage family commitments. “I’m not complaining about the length of travel. I decided to live here when I have a position in Melbourne, but I don’t think the train timetable has changed in the past ten years,” she said, noting “a lot more people are doing the commute”.
Scorpo’s frustrations are shared by many other commuters who say it’s not just an inconvenience but a real barrier to work and personal commitments. She said a train service would ideally depart from Bittern around 7.20am. “Improving public transport options is key to encouraging people to take the train rather than drive. A small timetable adjustment could make a huge daily difference – not just for me, but for many others who would be more inclined to use public transport,” she said.
The Stony Point line connects to the Frankston train line which offers limited peak-hour express services, but getting an express train can be difficult given the two limited morning services from Bittern. Scorpo said she had resorted to parking her car at Frankston or Carrum station to ensure she got to work on time. “If I can try and wrangle it that I can have a meeting at 10am then I’ll get the 8am train but it’s a bit less than ideal.”
Scorpo said on top of the timetable issue were other problems including cancellations and bus replacements which also deterred commuters from using the Stony Point line. She has raised the issue with Metro Trains multiple times who replied via email stating “the frequency and stopping patterns of trains is based on the number of passengers travelling on services at different times and locations” and “our timetables tailor frequency to meet demand as much as possible”. “Timetables are reviewed in partnership with the state government. As part of these reviews, we assess the existing infrastructure, monitor train performance, conduct physical passenger surveys and check myki data, so as to best utilise our resources across the network. “Passenger feedback such as yours is also an important part of this process.”
Scorpo has also reached out to Hastings MP Paul Mecurio and Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor David Gill who said he would bring it to the council’s attention to help with her advocacy.
First published in the Mornington News – 18 February 2025
