THE Coalition Government’s $115 million Bayside Rail Upgrade is on track to provide better rail services for Frankston line commuters, says Carrum MP Donna Bauer.

“The government’s $115 million investment in the Frankston line is well into delivery, providing track, signalling, power and maintenance facility upgrades to support the introduction of X’Trapolis trains,” Mrs Bauer said.

The Frankston line is one of the busiest on the network, with around 60,000 passengers each weekday.

Improvements to stations in the Carrum electorate so far include tactile markers and safety zones for both platforms at Bonbeach, and safety zones and station painting at Carrum and Kananook.

Still to come this year are new network rainbow boards, new passenger information displays, improved signage and extra CCTV coverage at all four stations.

“The rainbow boards will provide information across train, tram and bus public transport services, is a first for Victoria,” Mrs Bauer said.

“These are different from any other on-system information boards because they provide a network-wide snapshot of how all public transport services are running, rather than only providing location or mode-specific information. They show customers if services are running smoothly or experiencing delays, and will also include information on expected delay times, replacement services or planned service changes.”

Seaford and Kananook will get more myki readers and improved lighting, new shelters will be built at Bonbeach, Carrum and Seaford, and Carrum will also get a covered walkway and new subway mirrors.

“The Coalition Government has worked hard to increase the reliability and punctuality of Frankston line services. As a result, in April 2014, 87.1 per cent of trains on the line ran on time compared to 66 per cent of trains under Labor in April 2010.”

Mrs Bauer said that a range of track and other works to be undertaken this weekend would prepare for the arrival of new X’Trapolis trains, the newest and fastest trains on Melbourne’s rail network.

As part of the upgrade buses will replace trains this weekend (May 24-25) between Caulfield and Mordialloc stations. This may increase journey times by up to 45 minutes and customers will be asked to allow more travelling time.

Details of replacement bus services operating over the weekend can be found at www.ptv.vic.gov.au or calling 1800 800 007 daily between 6am and midnight.