MANNINGHAM Council is scaling back its campaign for the Doncaster rail line thanks to apathy from both politicians and the public.

In the latest blow for the long-awaited rail line, Premier Daniel Andrews avoided committing to building the Doncaster Rail following the completion of Melbourne Metro project.

During a wide ranging community discussion on the website Reddit last week, Mr Andrews was asked whether there was a “chance” the rail line would be built following the construction of the new CBD loop.

“The first step is to deliver Melbourne Metro Rail and unclog the loop — delivering on our promises,” Mr Andrews said.

“Infrastructure Victoria will have a lot to say about project options for the future.”

The lack of political enthusiasm about the project from both major parties has seen Manningham Council scale back its short-term advocacy for Doncaster Rail.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Will the rail line ever be built? Tell us below

A council report prepared for Manningham councillors noted the public’s interest in Doncaster Rail had diminished following the change in government.

“In the past 12-18 months, the (Doncaster Rail) committee has noticed an increase in community apathy for the proposal and cynical views that rail will never been built have since reignited,” the report states.

RELATED: Still no commitment for Doncaster rail line from major political parties

RELATED: Why Doncaster rail line will be way off the track

Councillors voted to scrap the Doncaster Rail Advocacy Steering Committee and merge it with the existing Transport Advisory Committee.

The new committee will focus on achieving more effective rapid bus transit between Doncaster and the city, including the idea to convert the median strip of the Eastern Freeway into a dedicated bus lane.

A train line would remain the committee’s long term goal.

The Doncaster Rail advocacy committee had been responsible for high-profile stunts including delivering a 4000-strong petition to parliament in 2014 and numerous ‘dress-up’ publicity stunts.

The State Government has previously indicated it has no interest in completing the second stage of the Doncaster Rail Study.

The original study left numerous unanswered questions including investigating different route alignments, options for reducing costs and ways to fund the estimated $6 billion project.

Manningham Council’s position is that unless the study is completed before the end of next year, there is no way construction can commence on the rail line by 2029.