A NEW train station on the Frankston line is open for business, commuters and shoppers.
Southland Station, located between Cheltenham and Highett stations, near Southland Shopping Centre will see trains running through its new precinct every ten minutes when Metro Trains services are running on time.
The state government said 600 tonnes of earth were moved and more than 60,000 hours worked to build the new Southland Station.
It is estimated that 4400 passengers a day will use the new stop on the Frankston line.
Commuters previously had to catch a bus or walk from Highett and Cheltenham stations to the shopping centre and cinemas.
Labor Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan, Bentleigh MP Nick Staikos and Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson officially opened Southland Station on Sunday (26 November).
“The Andrews Labor government is improving public transport in Melbourne’s south east – building more trains, removing level crossings and building new and improved stations,” Mr Richardson said.
While the new train station is a boon for shoppers, shopping centre workers have been less fortunate.
Retail workers at Southland Shopping Centre, owned by Westfield, are being slugged for parking while at work if rostered on for more than three hours a shift.
The shopping centre introduced paid parking in October for shoppers who stay more than three hours to dissuade commuters from parking all day at the centre’s car park.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 29 November 2017
