{{Short description|Passenger rail service in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia}} {{about|the Metro Trains Melbourne service|the physical railway itself|Deniliquin railway line|the Norfolk Southern line in the United States|Sunbury Line (Norfolk Southern)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}} {{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}} {{Infobox rail service | name = Sunbury | color = {{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}} | logo = {{ric|Melbourne|Sunbury|size=100px}} | image = St AlbansHCMT.jpg | image_width = 280px | image_alt = | caption = A pair of HCMT trains cross at St Albans. HCMT trains have run all services on the Sunbury Line since February 2026. | type = Commuter rail | status = Operational | system = Melbourne railway network | locale = Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | predecessor = {{Plainlist| * Sunbury (1859–1861) * Woodend (1861–1862) * Bendigo (1862–2012) * St Albans ^ (1921–2002) * Sydenham ^ (2002–2012) }} ^ are electric services | first = {{Start date and age|1859|2|10|df=y}} | last = <!-- {{End date and age|yyyy|mm|dd|df=y}} --> | successor = | operator = Metro Trains | formeroperator = {{Plainlist| * Victorian Railways (VR) (1859–1974) * VR as VicRail (1974–1983) * MTA (The Met) (1983–1989) * PTC (The Met) (1989–1998) * Bayside Trains (1998–2000) * M>Train (2000–2004) * Connex Melbourne (2004–2009) }} | ridership = | ridership2 = | website = | start = {{rwsa|Town Hall|m}} | stops = 15 | end = {{rwsa|Sunbury|m}} | distance = {{Convert|40.3|km|abbr=on}} | journeytime = 49 minutes | frequency = {{blist |20 minutes from Sunbury to the city |10 minutes to and from Watergardens to the city (all day until 8pm) |10 minutes to and from West Footscray to the city (all day until last trains) |4 minutes weekday peak between Watergardens and West Footscray |Some peak services operate express, skipping Middle Footscray and Tottenham |Some peak services terminate at Watergardens or West Footscray |60 minutes early weekend mornings }} | line_used = Deniliquin | class = | access = | seating = | baggage = | otherfacilities = | stock = HCMT | gauge = {{Track gauge|1600 mm}} | el = 1500 V DC overhead | owners = VicTrack | routenumber = | maintenance = | map = {{Sunbury Metro Service|inline=yes}} | map_state = collapsed }}
The '''Sunbury line''' is a commuter railway line in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.<ref name=":4" /> Operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, it is the city's fifth longest metropolitan railway line at {{convert|40.3|km}}. The line runs from Town Hall station in central Melbourne to Sunbury station in the city's north-west, serving 16 stations via Parkville, Sunshine, St Albans, and Watergardens.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2017 |title=Metro's paper timetables mess |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2017/09/04/metro-paper-timetable-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209095505/https://www.danielbowen.com/2017/09/04/metro-paper-timetable-issues/ |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Daniel Bowen}}</ref> The line operates for approximately 19 hours a day (from approximately 5:00 am to around 12:00 am) with 24 hour service available on Friday and Saturday nights. During peak hour, headways of up to 5 minutes are operated with services every 10–20 minutes during off-peak hours.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Sunbury Line moves through the new Metro Tunnel|url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/metro-tunnel/more-ways-to-move/sunbury|website=Transport Victoria|access-date=2026-02-01|language=en}}</ref> Trains on the Sunbury line run with a seven-car formation operated by High Capacity Metro Trains.
The Victorian Railways began services in February 1859 on the line originally built to serve the town of Bendigo by the Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company.<ref name=":3" /> The line was progressively electrified over time, with electrification to St Albans in 1921, to Sydenham in 2002, and finally to Sunbury in 2012.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":62">{{Cite web |date=2009-03-24 |title=Extending Sydenham to Sunbury |url=https://danielbowen.com/2009/03/25/extending-to-sunbury/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417105003/https://danielbowen.com/2009/03/25/extending-to-sunbury/ |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Daniel Bowen |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Since the 2000s, due to the heavily utilised infrastructure of the Sunbury line, improvements and upgrades have been made. Works have included replacing sleepers, upgrading signalling technology, two line extension projects, the construction of new stations, the removal of level crossings, the introduction of new rolling stock, and station accessibility upgrades.<ref name=":432"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-10-10 |title=About the Sunbury Line Upgrade |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/sunbury-line-upgrade/about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812011816/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/sunbury-line-upgrade/about |archive-date=12 August 2021 |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>
On 1 February 2026, the Sunbury Line was through routed with the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines, running through the Metro Tunnel via Town Hall station.
== History ==
=== 19th century === {{Further|Deniliquin railway line#History}} [[File:Sunburyoldstation.jpg|alt=An old station with wooden railway building|left|thumb|Sunbury station was opened in February 1859 as part of the rail line to Bendigo.]] The Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company started to build a rail line to Bendigo before operations were taken over by the Department of Railways then the Victorian Railways. The line had been extended as far as Sunbury by February 1859.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=1853-03-24 |title=MELBOURNE, MOUNT ALEXANDER, AND MURRAY RIVER RAILWAY COMPANY. |work=Argus |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4790941 |access-date=2023-04-17 |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417123932/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4790941 |url-status=live }}</ref> The line was duplicated between Footscray and Sunbury in early July 1859.<ref name=":3" />
=== 20th century === Electrification of the line to St Albans was completed in October 1921, although electrification has already occurred to North Melbourne in May 1919 as part of the Essendon line electrification, and to Footscray in August 1920 as part of the Williamstown line electrification.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=1921-10-01 |title=ST. ALBANS LINE |work=Independent |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74979805 |access-date=2023-04-17 |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417123937/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/74979805 |url-status=live }}</ref> Electrification shaved 10 minutes off the trip from St Albans to the city.<ref name=":1" />
North Melbourne to South Kensington was quadruplicated in 1924, and South Kensington to Footscray in November 1976.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=1930-08-15 |title=AUTOMATIC SIGNALS FROM MELBOURNE TO ST. ALBANS |work=Sunshine Advocate |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76425279 |access-date=2023-04-17 |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417123922/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76425279 |url-status=live }}</ref> Automatic block signalling was provided between South Kensington and Footscray (and Yarraville on the Williamstown line) in August 1927, from Footscray to West Footscray in October 1927, North Melbourne to South Kensington in June 1928, Sunshine to Albion in July 1929, West Footscray to Sunshine in October 1929, and Albion to St Albans in February 1930, thus resulting in the entire electrified line being provided with this signalling.<ref name=":2" />
=== 21st century === {{Main|Sunbury railway line#Future}}
==== Sydenham extension ====<!-- Information has been very hard to find for this extension so this section of the article has to be quite short -->
On 27 January 2002, electrification of the St Albans line was extended along the regional V/Line tracks to Sydenham.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2020-11-07 |title=Were there more trains 100 years ago? (Part two) |url=https://danielbowen.com/2020/11/07/timetables-100-years-2/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Daniel Bowen |language=en-AU |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417105324/https://danielbowen.com/2020/11/07/timetables-100-years-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Sydenham electrification resulted in the closure of the original Sydenham station; a new station was built 600 metres south and named after the nearby Watergardens Town Centre. Additionally, another station was constructed in St Albans called Keilor Plains.
==== Sunbury extension ==== [[File:Diggers Rest Station.JPG|alt=A train platform|thumb|Diggers Rest station was rebuilt as part of the extension.]] Proposals for an extension of electrified metropolitan services to Sunbury had dated as far back as the 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan.<ref>{{cite web |author=C L Fouvy |title=The Melbourne region's opportunity and need for rapid transit |url=http://rtsa.com.au/assets/2008/03/rapid-transit-by-l-fouvy.pdf |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721025337/http://rtsa.com.au/assets/2008/03/rapid-transit-by-l-fouvy.pdf |archivedate=2008-07-21 |accessdate=2008-07-18 |publisher=Railway Technical Society of Australasia}}</ref> $270 million was set aside to complete electrification works as part of the 2008 Victorian Transport Plan, with works completed in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ancr.com.au/sunbury_electrification_project.pdf |title=Sunbury Electrification Project |last= |first= |date= |website=ancr.com.au |publisher= |access-date=27 September 2024 |quote=}}</ref>
There was some opposition to electrification. Concerns included a less comfortable journey, the removal of toilet facilities, the presence of a conductor, potential overcrowding, and congestion at level crossings due to the increase in the number of services.<ref name=":02">{{cite news |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=13 August 2012 |title=Some in Sunbury not galvanised by train electrification |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/some-in-sunbury-not-galvanised-by-train-electrification-20120812-242v3.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017050730/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/some-in-sunbury-not-galvanised-by-train-electrification-20120812-242v3.html |archive-date=17 October 2012 |access-date=8 October 2012 |newspaper=The Age |location=Melbourne}}</ref> Bendigo line users also raised concern that electrification to Sunbury would slow down their trains to Melbourne. Ian Dobbs, then head of Public Transport Victoria acknowledged this issue, stating that "there's a slight slow-down of services on that particular corridor with this timetable, because we're putting more Metro services in the mix."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=2012-10-15 |title=Ninety new train services on way |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ninety-new-train-services-on-way-20121015-27m43.html |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref>
On 18 November 2012, the newly electrified line was renamed from the Sydenham line to the Sunbury line. Completion of the electrification increased the service frequency of Sunbury and Diggers Rest stations to 489 trains per week, an increase of 64% from the 298 trains per week when the service was operated by V/Line.<ref>{{Cite web |title=transport.vic.gov.au – Sunbury Electrification. (It's part of the plan) |url=http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/DOI/DOIElect.nsf/$UNIDS+for+Web+Display/86FB9504870A419BCA2576070003F8D8/$FILE/Sunbury%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090920165132/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/DOI/DOIElect.nsf/$UNIDS+for+Web+Display/86FB9504870A419BCA2576070003F8D8/$FILE/Sunbury%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |archive-date=20 September 2009 |access-date=1 September 2009}}</ref><ref name="sunbury2">{{Cite web |title=Media release, Terry Mulder, Victorian Minister for Public Transport, 19 September 2012 |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/4899-new-trains-to-join-melbourne-fleet-in-time-for-new-november-timetable.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922015007/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/4899-new-trains-to-join-melbourne-fleet-in-time-for-new-november-timetable.html |archive-date=22 September 2012 |access-date=8 October 2012}}</ref>
==== Sunbury Line Upgrade ==== In 2019, works began on the $2.1 billion Sunbury Line Upgrade project, delivered by the Rail Projects Victoria.<ref name=":0" /> The project upgraded the line to support the introduction of High Capacity Metro Train (HCMT) rolling stock and "take full advantage of the extra capacity created by the Metro Tunnel" which opened in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2024-04-11 |title=Sunbury Line Upgrade |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/sunbury-line-upgrade |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>
Works delivered as part of the project include the installation of five new electrical substations: one in Delahey (near Watergardens station),<ref>{{Cite web |last=jimjin |date=2022-01-10 |title=Works occurring at Delahey, St Albans |url=https://brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/news/works-occurring-at-delahey-st-albans/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Brimbank & North West |language=en-US}}</ref> one in Calder Park, rail yard<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2022-02-28 |title=Powering bigger Sunbury Line trains |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/rail-projects-victoria/powering-bigger-sunbury-line-trains |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> two in St Albans,<ref>{{Cite web |title=New electrical substation on St Albans Road, St Albans {{!}} Sunbury Line Upgrade |url=https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/the-sunbury-line-upgrade/page/new-electrical-substation-st-albans-road-st-albans |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Engage Victoria |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New electrical substation on Willaton Street, St Albans {{!}} Sunbury Line Upgrade |url=https://engage.vic.gov.au/project/the-sunbury-line-upgrade/page/substation-willaton-street-st-albans |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Engage Victoria |language=en}}</ref> and one in Albion;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doing The Work To Power Bigger Sunbury Line Trains {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/doing-work-power-bigger-sunbury-line-trains |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Work Powers Ahead On The Sunbury Line Upgrade {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/work-powers-ahead-sunbury-line-upgrade |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref> ten more across the line were upgraded along with improvements to overhead wiring and signalling equipment to enable the use of "high capacity signalling" (a form of communications-based train control<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitale |first=Cat |date=2023-10-10 |title=Melbourne's metro tunnel receives "hi-tech" signalling system |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/melbournes-metro-tunnel-receives-hi-tech-signalling-system/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>) in the Metro Tunnel. Platforms were extended at Sunbury, Watergardens, Albion, Sunshine, Tottenham, West Footscray, Middle Footscray, and Footscray stations to support the longer HCMT rolling stock. Raised boarding pads were installed at Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Watergardens, Keilor Plains, Albion, Sunshine, and Footscray stations to improve wheelchair accessibility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2024-04-11 |title=Sunbury Line Upgrade |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/sunbury-line-upgrade |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> Train stabling facilities at Sunbury, Calder Park, and Watergardens were upgraded,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-18 |title=High Capacity Metro Trains Project |url=https://www.vic.gov.au/high-capacity-metro-trains-project |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=www.vic.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref> the level crossing at Gap Road, Sunbury was removed,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Engage Victoria |url=https://engage.vic.gov.au/the-sunbury-line-upgrade |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417080607/https://engage.vic.gov.au/the-sunbury-line-upgrade |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=engage.vic.gov.au}}</ref> and the tracks connecting the Sunbury line to the Metro Tunnel's portal at South Kensington station were laid.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2023-07-13 |title=Sunbury Line Upgrade is now complete |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/rail-projects-victoria/sunbury-line-upgrade-is-now-complete |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>
=== Metro Tunnel === {{Main|Metro Tunnel}}
[[File:Melbourne_Metro_Rail_Tunnel_route_map_blue.svg|alt=A map showing the route of the Melbourne Metro tunnel heading through the CBD|thumb|The map of the Metro Tunnel route through the Melbourne central business district.]] The 2012 Network Development Plan identified the need for a north–south tunnel connecting the Sunbury line to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |title=Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025 |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |access-date=11 December 2022 |website=Public Transport Victoria |archive-date=12 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, the Metro Tunnel project began construction, consisting of twin {{convert|9|km|adj=on}} tunnels bored underground between South Kensington and South Yarra stations, with five new stations along the route: Arden, Parkville, State Library (connecting to Melbourne Central), Town Hall (connecting to Flinders Street), and Anzac. These works was completed in 2025, and went fully operational following the timetable change on 1 February 2026.<ref name=":432">{{Cite web |last=Victoria's Big Build |date=28 November 2022 |title=About the Metro Tunnel Project |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207174018/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Level crossing removals === [[File:Ginifer railway station Platform 2 (south-eastern view)(14 February 2026).jpg|alt=A lowered train station platform|thumb|Ginifer station was rebuilt during the removal of the Furlong Road level crossing.]] <!-- Do not list the Gap Road level crossing in this section. It was removed as part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade detailed earlier in the article, not the Level Crossing Removal Project. -->The Level Crossing Removal Project has announced the removal of all 7 remaining level crossings on the Sunbury line, completed in stages from 2016 to 2025. In 2016, the level crossings at Furlong Road and Main Road, St Albans, were removed by lowering the rail line into a trench under the roads; St Albans and Ginifer stations were rebuilt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-06-21 |title=Furlong Road, St Albans |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/furlong-road-st-albans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417073135/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/furlong-road-st-albans |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-06-21 |title=Main Road, St Albans |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/main-road-st-albans |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417073140/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/main-road-st-albans |url-status=live }}</ref> Another crossing was removed by elevating a section of the Melton Highway in Sydenham onto a bridge above the rail line in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-06-21 |title=Melton Highway, Sydenham |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/melton-highway-sydenham |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407105103/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/melton-highway-sydenham |url-status=live }}</ref> All remaining level crossings on the line were removed in 2025. The crossings at Old Calder Highway, Watsons Road, and Calder Park Drive were removed by building road bridges over the rail line, and the Holden Road crossing was closed to car traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-06-21 |title=Holden Road, Calder Park |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/holden-road-calder-park |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920174028/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/holden-road-calder-park |archive-date=20 September 2022 |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2024-04-16 |title=Calder Park Drive, Calder Park |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/calder-park-drive-calder-park |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Diggers Rest level crossing removals |url=https://engage.vic.gov.au/lxrp-diggers-rest |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Engage Victoria |language=en}}</ref>
=== Infill Stations === Currently, There is only one station proposed to be built on the Sunbury Line being at Calder Park. The station is planned to be located adjacent to Calder Park Drive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=jimjin |date=2022-09-21 |title=United push for Calder Park station |url=https://meltonmoorabool.starweekly.com.au/news/united-push-for-calder-park-station/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Melton & Moorabool |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Network and operations ==
=== Services === Services on the Sunbury line operates from approximately 4:00 am to around 1:00 daily.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Sunbury Line |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907155122/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In general, during peak hours, train frequency is 5–10 minutes in the AM peak on the Sunbury line while during non-peak hours the frequency is reduced to 10-20 minutes throughout the entire route.<ref name=":6" /> Frequency varies between different parts of the route, with some trains terminating or originating from Watergardens and West Footscray. On Friday and Saturday nights, services run 24 hours a day, with 60 minute frequencies available outside of normal operating hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Melbourne Weekend Night Network Train Map |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/Maps-and-Timetables-PDFs/Maps/Night-Network-maps/Night-Train-Map-SEPT-2021.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112114049/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/Maps-and-Timetables-PDFs/Maps/Night-Network-maps/Night-Train-Map-SEPT-2021.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2023 |access-date=18 December 2022}}</ref>
Train services on the Sunbury line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle bus services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2016 |title=Where do train replacement buses come from? |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214224815/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |archive-date=14 December 2022}}</ref>
==== Stopping patterns ==== '''Legend — Station status'''
* ◼ Premium Station – Station staffed from first to last train * ◻ Host Station – Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network.
'''Legend — Stopping patterns'''
All operate via the Metro Tunnel
* ● – All trains stop * ◐ – Some services do not stop * | – Trains pass and do not stop Services continue beyond Town Hall towards Cranbourne or East Pakenham stations.
During night network, all services will run express from Footscray to Town Hall and vice versa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sunbury Line |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/route/timetable/,-w-, |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=Transport Victoria |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left" ! colspan="6" style="background:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}};" |<span style="color:white;">Sunbury Services</span> |- !Station !Zone !Local !Ltd Express !Watergardens !West Footscray |- |◼ {{rwsa|Town Hall|Melbourne}} | rowspan="8" |1 |● |● |● |● |- |◼ {{rwsa|State Library}} |◐ |● |● |● |- |◼ {{rwsa|Parkville}} |◐ |● |● |● |- |◼ {{rwsa|Arden|Melbourne}} |◐ |● |● |● |- |◼ {{rwsa|Footscray}} |● |● |● |● |- |{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Middle Footscray}} |● |{{pipe}} |● |● |- |{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|West Footscray}} |● |● |● |● |- |{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Tottenham}} |● |{{pipe}} |● | rowspan="9" | |- |◼ {{rwsa|Sunshine|m}} | rowspan="2" |1/2 |● |● |● |- |◻ {{rwsa|Albion|m}} |● |● |● |- |{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Ginifer}} | rowspan="6" |2 |● |● |● |- |◼ {{rwsa|St Albans|m}} |● |● |● |- |{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Keilor Plains}} |● |● |● |- |◼ {{rwsa|Watergardens}} |● |● |● |- |{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Diggers Rest}} |● |● | rowspan="2" | |- |◼ {{rwsa|Sunbury|m}} |● |● |}
=== Operators === The Sunbury line has had a total of 7 operators since its opening in 1859. The majority of operations throughout its history have been government run: from its first service in 1859 until the 1999 privatisation of Melbourne's rail network, four different government operators have run the line.<ref>"Melbourne's Rail Network to be Split" ''Railway Digest'' November 1997 page 12</ref> These operators, Victorian Railways, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Public Transport Corporation, and Bayside Trains have a combined operational length of 141 years.
Bayside Trains was privatised in August 1999 and later rebranded M>Train. In 2002, M>Train was placed into receivership and the state government regained ownership of the line, with KPMG appointed as receivers to operate M>Train on behalf of the state government.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html National Express walks out of Australian rail service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160218/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html |date=12 January 2018 }} ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London) 17 December 2002</ref><ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/23/1040511007915.html Receivers take over train, tram group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026135818/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/23/1040511007915.html |date=26 October 2012 }} ''The Age'' 24 December 2002</ref><ref>[https://www.railexpress.com.au/victorian-passenger-services-get-new-managers/ Victorian passenger services get new managers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325102128/https://www.railexpress.com.au/victorian-passenger-services-get-new-managers/ |date=25 March 2023 }} ''Rail Express'' 28 January 2003</ref> Two years later, rival train operator Connex Melbourne took over the M>Train operations including the Sunbury line. Metro Trains Melbourne, the current private operator, then took over the operations in 2009. The private operators have had a combined operational period of {{Age|2000|08|29}} years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Mex |date=25 June 2009 |title=New train, tram operators for Melbourne |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/new-train-tram-operators-for-melbourne-20090625-cxgx.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101122206/https://www.theage.com.au/national/new-train-tram-operators-for-melbourne-20090625-cxgx.html |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=1 January 2023 |website=The Age}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+Past and present operators of the Sunbury line: !Operator !Assumed operations !Ceased operations !Length of operations |- |Victorian Railways |1859 |1983 |124 years |- |Metropolitan Transit Authority |1983 |1989 |6 years |- |Public Transport Corporation |1989 |1998 |9 years |- |Bayside Trains (government operator) |1998 |2000 |2 years |- |M>Train |2000 |2004 |4 years |- |Connex Melbourne |2004 |2009 |5 years |- |Metro Trains Melbourne |2009 |''incumbent'' |{{Age|2009|11|30}} years (ongoing) |}
=== Route === {{For-text|information about the actual track|Deniliquin railway line}} {{Sunbury Line|float=right|collapse=yes}}{{maplink |frame=yes |frame-lat=-37.7004 |frame-long=144.8372 |frame-width=440 |frame-height=500 |frame-align=right |text=Interactive map of the Sunbury line in north-western Melbourne. |zoom=11
|type=line |id=Q4787948 |stroke-colour=#279FD5 |stroke-width=6 |title=Sunbury line }}
The Sunbury line forms a relatively linear route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus in Sunbury. The route is {{convert|40.3|km}} long and is fully double-tracked from Town Hall to its terminus. The only underground section of the Sunbury line is in the Metro Tunnel, where the service stops at 4 underground stations. Exiting the city, the Sunbury line traverses mainly flat country, except on the west bank of the Maribyrnong River where it requires some moderately heavy earthworks. The line is paralleled by a double-track goods line and the interstate standard gauge line, the latter being dual gauge with the goods line to West Footscray. The goods line joins the Sunbury line at Sunshine, whilst the standard gauge line to Sydney continues to run alongside the suburban line to Albion, where it and a goods line head off in a north-easterly direction. Some sections of the line has been elevated or lowered into a cutting to eliminate level crossings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Marcus |date=10 May 2021 |title=Level crossing removals in 1920s Melbourne |url=https://wongm.com/2021/05/melbourne-1920s-level-crossing-removals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212120708/https://wongm.com/2021/05/melbourne-1920s-level-crossing-removals/ |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Waking up in Geelong}}</ref>
=== Stations === The line serves 16 stations across {{convert|40.3|km}} of track. The stations are a mix of elevated, lowered, underground, and ground level designs. Underground stations are present only in the City Loop, with the majority of elevated and lowered stations being constructed as part of level crossing removals.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lee |first=Robert S. |title=The railways of Victoria 1854–2004 |date=2007 |publisher=Melbourne University Publishing |others=Rosemary Annable, Donald S. Garden |isbn=978-0-522-85134-2 |location=Carlton, Vic. |oclc=224727085 }}</ref> From 2026, services ceased to stop at Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament, and North Melbourne stations due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel. {| class="wikitable" !Station !Image !Accessibility !Opened !Terrain !Train connections !Other connections |- |{{rwsa|Town Hall|m}} |frameless|100x100px | rowspan="5" |Yes—step free access | rowspan="4" |2025 | rowspan="4" |Underground |{{Collapsible list | title = 16 connections| * {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Cranbourne line|Cranbourne railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Frankston line|Frankston railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Gippsland line|Gippsland V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Gippsland}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Sandringham line|Sandringham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sandringham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne train logo.svg|30|Trains|link=no}} {{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria train logo.svg|30|Trains|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|State Library}} |frameless|100x100px |{{Collapsible list | title = 11 connections| * {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Cranbourne line|Cranbourne railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Frankston line|Frankston railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne train logo.svg|30|Trains|link=no}} {{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Parkville}} |frameless|100x100px | rowspan="2" |{{Collapsible list | title = 2 connections| * {{RouteBox|Cranbourne line|Cranbourne railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Arden|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Footscray}} |left|frameless|100x100px |1859<ref name=":112">{{Cite web |title=What year did your railway station open? {{!}} Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia) |date=3 August 2018 |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209095505/https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022}}</ref> | rowspan="3" |Ground level |{{Collapsible list | title = 10 connections| * {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Warrnambool line|Warrnambool V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Warrnambool}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Middle Footscray|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |No—steep ramp |1906<ref name=":112" /> | | rowspan="2" |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|West Footscray|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |Yes—step free access |1888<ref name=":112" /> | |- |{{rwsa|Tottenham}} |left|frameless|100x100px |No—steep ramp |1891<ref name=":112" /> |Elevated | | |- |{{rwsa|Sunshine|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |Yes—step free access |1885<ref name=":112" /> | rowspan="2" |Ground level |{{Collapsible list | title = 4 connections| * {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Melbourne skybus logo.svg|30|SkyBus|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Albion|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |No—steep ramp |1860<ref name=":112" /> | rowspan="4" | | rowspan="6" |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Ginifer}} |left|frameless|100x100px | rowspan="6" |Yes—step free access |1982<ref name=":112" /> | rowspan="2" |Below ground |- |{{rwsa|St Albans|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |1887<ref name=":112" /> |- |{{rwsa|Keilor Plains}} |left|frameless|100x100px |2002<ref name=":112" /> | rowspan="4" |Ground level |- |{{rwsa|Watergardens}} |left|frameless|100x100px | rowspan="3" |1859<ref name=":112" /> |{{Collapsible list | title = 2 connections| * {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}} }} |- |{{rwsa|Diggers Rest}} |left|frameless|100x100px | |- |{{rwsa|Sunbury|m}} |left|frameless|100x100px |{{Collapsible list | title = 2 connections| * {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}} |}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" |+ class="nowrap" | Station histories !Station !Opened<ref name="Anderson">{{Anderson-All Stations}}</ref> !Closed<ref name="Anderson"/> !Age ! scope=col class=unsortable | Notes<ref name="Anderson" /><ref name=":432"/> |- | {{rwsa|Flagstaff}} || {{TAC2|27 May 1985}} || * From 2026, services will cease to stop due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel |- | {{rwsa|Melbourne Central}} || {{TAC2|26 January 1981}} || * From 2026, services will cease to stop due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel * Formerly Museum |- | {{rwsa|Parliament}} || {{TAC2|22 January 1983}} || * From 2026, services will cease to stop due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel |- | {{rwsa|Flinders Street}} || {{TAC2|12 September 1854}} || * Formerly Melbourne Terminus |- | {{rwsa|Southern Cross}} || {{TAC2|17 January 1859}} || * From 2026, services will cease to stop due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel * Formerly Batman's Hill * Formerly Spencer Street |- | {{rwsa|North Melbourne}} || {{TAC2|6 October 1859}} || * From 2026, services will cease to stop due to the opening of the Metro Tunnel |- | {{rwsa|South Kensington}} || {{TAC2|11 March 1891}} || * Not a stop since 2013 |- | {{rwsa|Saltwater River}} || {{TAC2|1 October 1859|||1867||c}} || |- | {{rwsa|Footscray}} || {{TAC2|24 September 1900}} || |- | rowspan="3" | {{rwsa|Middle Footscray}} || {{TAC2|10 February 1859|||24 September 1900}} || * 1st site * Formerly Footscray (Main line) |- | {{TAC2|10 December 1906|||2 July 1927}} || * 2nd site |- | {{TAC2|3 July 1927}} || * 3rd site |- | {{rwsa|West Footscray}} || {{TAC2|1 October 1888}} || * Formerly Footscray West |- | {{rwsa|Tottenham}} || {{TAC2|2 March 1891}} || |- | {{rwsa|White City}} || {{TAC2|10 December 1927|||4 October 1981}} || |- | {{rwsa|Maidstone|m}} || {{TAC2|2 March 1861|||1 April 1865}} || |- | {{rwsa|Sunshine|m}} || {{TAC2|7 September 1885}} || * Formerly Braybrook Junction |- | rowspan="3" | {{rwsa|Albion|m}} || {{TAC2|5 January 1860|||1 January 1861}} || * 1st site * Was originally Albion and Darlington |- | {{TAC2|24 March 1891|||24 November 1919}} || * 1st site * Reopened as Albion |- | {{TAC2|24 November 1919}} || * 2nd site |- | {{rwsa|Ginifer}} || {{TAC2|31 October 1982}} || |- | rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|St Albans|m}} || {{TAC2|1 February 1887|||22 November 1959}} || * 1st site |- | {{TAC2|22 November 1959}} || * 2nd site |- | {{rwsa|Keilor Plains}} || {{TAC2|11 September 2002}} || |- | rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|Watergardens}} || {{TAC2|1 March 1859|||11 September 2002}} || * Was originally Keilor Road * Later Sydenham |- | {{TAC2|11 September 2002}} || * Reopened as Watergardens |- | {{rwsa|Holden}} || {{TAC2|5 January 1860|||1 January 1861}} || |- | {{rwsa|Diggers Rest}} || {{TAC2|2 October 1859}} || |- | {{rwsa|Sunbury|m}} || {{TAC2|10 February 1859}} || |- | rowspan="3" | {{rwsa|Rupertswood}} || 1879 || ? || || * Private platform for William John Clarke |- | Between 1909 and 1913 || 3 November 1941 || 28–32 years || rowspan="2" | |- | {{TAC2|7 February 1962|||2004}} |}
==== Pre Metro Tunnel stations ==== {| class="wikitable" !Station !Accessibility !Opened !Terrain !Train connections !Other connections !Notes |- |{{rwsa|Flinders Street}} | rowspan="6" |Yes—step free access |1854<ref name=":1122">{{Cite web |title=What year did your railway station open? {{!}} Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia) |date=3 August 2018 |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |access-date=9 December 2022}}</ref> |Lowered |{{Collapsible list | title = 16 connections| * {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Frankston line|Frankston railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Gippsland line|Gippsland V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Gippsland}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Sandringham line|Sandringham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sandringham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Southern Cross}} |1859<ref name=":1122"/> |Ground level |{{Collapsible list | title = 27 connections| * {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Albury line|Albury V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Albury}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Gippsland line|Gippsland V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Gippsland}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|NSW TrainLink Southern|Main Southern railway line|#{{rcr|NSW TrainLink|Southern}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Seymour line|Seymour V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Seymour}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Shepparton line|Tocumwal railway line, Victoria#Shepparton services|#{{rcr|V/Line|Shepparton}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|The Overland|The Overland|#{{rcr|Journey Beyond|The Overland}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Warrnambool line|Warrnambool V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Warrnambool}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}} {{Symbol|Melbourne skybus logo.svg|30|SkyBus|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Flagstaff}} |1985<ref name=":1122"/> | rowspan="3" |Underground | rowspan="3" |{{Collapsible list | title = 10 connections| * {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} }} |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Melbourne Central}} |1981<ref name=":1122"/> |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|Parliament}} |1983<ref name=":1122"/> |{{Symbol|Melbourne Tram Logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} |- |{{rwsa|North Melbourne}} |1859<ref name=":1122"/> |Ground level |{{Collapsible list | title = 7 connections| * {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Seymour line|Seymour V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Seymour}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Shepparton line|Tocumwal railway line, Victoria#Shepparton services|#{{rcr|V/Line|Shepparton}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}} * {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}} * {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}} }} |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} |}
== Infrastructure ==
=== Rolling stock === {{Main|High Capacity Metro Train}}
thumb|High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) operated exclusively on the Sunbury line since February 2026 After the full opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2026, the Sunbury line exclusively use a fleet of High Capacity Metro Train (HCMT) electric multiple unit trains, operating in a seven-car configuration. The trains feature three doors per side on each carriage and can accommodate up to 1,380 passengers. HCMTs were introduced to the Sunbury line in 2023, operating two peak services from Sunbury to Flinders Street each morning.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2023-10-31 |title=Bigger, better trains on the Sunbury Line |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/metro-tunnel-project/bigger,-better-trains-on-the-sunbury-line |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> HCMTs are also planned to be used on the Airport line, which will branch off from the Sunbury line at Sunshine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Planning |first=Department of Transport and |title=Bigger trains for a better Melbourne |url=https://dtp.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/high-capacity-metro-trains |accessdate=10 March 2023 |website=dtp.vic.gov.au |archive-date=10 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310074403/https://dtp.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/high-capacity-metro-trains |url-status=live }}</ref> HCMTs are built in Changchun, China, with final assembly occurring in Newport, Melbourne, by Evolution Rail, a consortium composed of CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, Downer Rail and Plenary Group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Galloway |first=Anthony |date=24 August 2016 |title=Alarm over Chinese trains |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/problems-with-trains-of-chinese-company-bidding-for-victorian-contract/news-story/57bc1a1bec6a3eb960a764a61138103c}}</ref> In October 2023, two HCMT services ran per day on the Sunbury Line, with more gradually introduced in the following years. From 1 February 2026, all services on the Sunbury Line are taken by HCMT stock following the full operation of the Metro Tunnel.
thumb|The Comeng trains were one of the former Rollingstock for the Sunbury line until the High Capacity Metro Trains took over full operations in February 2026
Previously, the Sunbury line was served by a fleet of Comeng and Siemens Nexas trains. Most of the oldest Comeng trains (stage 1 and some stage 2) have been decommissioned and scrapped as part of the HCMT takeover. However, a number of these trains have been reallocated onto other Melbourne metropolitan lines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2021 |title=Comeng trains starting to be scrapped |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2021/10/18/comeng-trains-starting-to-be-scrapped/ |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Daniel Bowen |archive-date=12 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212071138/https://www.danielbowen.com/2021/10/18/comeng-trains-starting-to-be-scrapped/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In comparison, the Siemens Nexas trains have not been retired, instead being moved onto other lines to replace older Comeng sets. Since February 2026, the Sunbury line is exclusively operated by High Capacity Metro Trains.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victorian Government Department of Transport and Planning |date=2023 |title=New train and tram orders |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders |access-date=9 January 2023 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201091609/https://transport.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/new-and-upgraded-trains-and-trams/new-train-and-tram-orders |url-status=live }}</ref>
Alongside the passenger trains, Sunbury line tracks and equipment are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The four types of engineering trains are: the shunting train; designed for moving trains along non-electrified corridors and for transporting other maintenance locomotives, for track evaluation; designed for evaluating track and its condition, the overhead inspection train; designed for overhead wiring inspection, and the infrastructure evaluation carriage designed for general infrastructure evaluation.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=1 February 2011 |title=NETWORK SERVICE PLAN {{!}} Addenda |url=https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307165249/https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |archive-date=7 March 2011}}</ref> Most of these trains are repurposed locomotives previously used by V/Line, Metro Trains Melbourne, and Southern Shorthaul Railroad.<ref name=":17" />
=== Accessibility === [[File:St Albans railway station Platform 2 (north-western view)(14 February 2026).jpg|alt=A modern, lowered train station|thumb|St Albans station features wheelchair accessible ramps and elevators.]] In compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, all stations that were newly built or rebuilt since the Act took effect comply with its guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accessibility – Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria |url=https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084345/https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=www.ptovic.com.au}}</ref> Most stations on the Sunbury line are fully accessible, however, there are some stations that have not been upgraded to meet these guidelines.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Station accessibility features |url=https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208020143/https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Metro Trains Melbourne}}</ref> Stations that are fully accessible feature ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14, have at-grade paths, or feature elevators.<ref name=":12" /> Accessible stations typically also feature tactile boarding indicators, independent boarding ramps, wheelchair accessible myki barriers, hearing loops, and widened paths.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Accessing public transport |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206144538/https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |archive-date=6 December 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=City of Melbourne}}</ref>
Several stations on the Sunbury line have been rebuilt or upgraded with better accessibility features, mostly as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project and the Sunbury Line Upgrade. This includes St Albans and Ginifer stations, which were rebuilt as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project; and Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Watergardens, Keilor Plains, Albion, Sunshine, and Footscray stations which had raised boarding pads installed to improve wheelchair accessibility as part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade.
=== Signalling === The Sunbury line uses three-position signalling which is widely used across the Melbourne train network.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A walk around Gunning |url=http://vrhistory.com/walks/Gunning/Gunning.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815134339/http://vrhistory.com/walks/Gunning/Gunning.htm |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=vrhistory.com}}</ref> Three-position signalling was first introduced in 1929, with the final section of the line converted in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Code 3-Position Speed Signalling |url=http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf%20files/ARTC/ASig%20descr.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207082457/http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf%20files/ARTC/ASig%20descr.pdf |archive-date=7 February 2023 |access-date=8 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Ray |date=2022-04-25 |title=New signalling system for regional rail line |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/new-signalling-system-for-regional-rail-line/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411092249/https://www.railexpress.com.au/new-signalling-system-for-regional-rail-line/ |archive-date=11 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-11 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU}}</ref> The Sunbury line's signalling system was further upgraded between West Footscray and the western entrance of the Metro Tunnel as part of the Sunbury Line Upgrade to enable the use of "high capacity signalling" (a form of communications-based train control) to be used within the Metro Tunnel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Build |first=Victoria’s Big |date=2024-05-31 |title=High Capacity Signalling |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/high-capacity-signalling |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/14/sunbury/ Sunbury line timetable] * [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/#networkmaps Network map] * {{commons category-inline|Sunbury railway line}}
{{Victorian Railway Lines|selected=melbourne}} {{Melbourne public transport}}
Category:Railway lines in Melbourne Category:Railway lines opened in 1859 Category:1859 establishments in Australia Category:Public transport routes in the City of Melbourne (LGA) Category:Transport in the City of Maribyrnong Category:Transport in the City of Brimbank Category:Transport in the City of Melton Category:Transport in the City of Hume