Monash University welcomes proposal for dedicated light rail

Monash University has welcomed a proposal from the Victorian Government to create a dedicated light rail connecting Caulfield Station to Monash University’s Clayton campus via Chadstone Shopping Centre then to Rowville via Waverley Park.

Monash Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Gardner AO said a dedicated link would significantly enhance travel options for the thousands of students, staff, industry partners and visitors who travel to Monash each day.

The government yesterday announced it would provide $3 million in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 for design and planning works to examine alignments, park and ride options, stop locations, cost and travel time benefits.

Stage one would link Caulfield Station to Monash University’s Clayton campus via Chadstone Shopping Centre then to Rowville via Waverley Park. Planning work would start immediately, including engagement with local residents, business owners and other local stakeholders.

Prof Gardner said Monash was committed to working with all levels of government to encourage the improvement of public transport options at the University’s campuses. It not only supports the state’s largest education provider, but the surrounding innovation cluster which is the largest jobs hub outside of the CBD and provides significant employment and economic benefits to the entire state.

She said the State Government’s recent upgrade of Huntingdale station, combined with Monash’s complete redesign of its bus interchange on the Clayton campus, had already made it easier, quicker and safer to access the Clayton campus via public transport.

"The Monash Clayton campus can attract over 53,000 persons on any given day. Fast, efficient and effective public transport links will reduce road congestion and deliver benefits to the wider precinct."

“An important part of Monash University's sustainability effort is to encourage the reduction of car travel and promote the use of public transport. We know that many commuters who drive to campus would elect to use public transport if more convenient options were available,” Prof Gardner said.

“We look forward to working with the State Government on this exciting proposal to help ensure it delivers a positive experience for travellers to Monash and offers the frequency and convenience needed to encourage more people to use sustainable transport options.”