First weekday services commence through new stations Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, Anzac

From today to February 1 – the so-called Summer Start – Metro Tunnel trains will only operate between West Footscray and Westall, in Clayton South, every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm on weekdays.

That’s 15 trains a day in each direction.

On weekends, trains will run until 7pm and some will go all the way to East Pakenham or Sunbury. All public transport will be free on weekends statewide in December and January.

From February 1, Sunbury and Pakenham/Cranbourne trains will come out of the City Loop and operate exclusively through the Metro Tunnel.

The state government has not released the February timetable. It has promised a “turn up and go” service, with trains between West Footscray and Dandenong every three to four minutes in morning and afternoon peaks.

Trains will run at least every 10 minutes at other times between West Footscray and Dandenong, and less frequently at stations on those lines further away from the city.