Commuters in Melbourne's north-east will have to wait about five years for the Andrews government to make good on its promise to add just three extra rail services to the Hurstbridge line and ease the peak-hour crush.

Three months before the 2014 election, the Labor opposition made the modest promise that if elected it would add three extra peak-hour services to the Hurstbridge line timetable.

Work to remove level crossings on the Hurstbridge line will be completed by 2019. Credit:Penny Stephens

The promise was displayed on campaign material for Labor candidates Vicki Ward and Anthony Carbines, both of whom won their respective seats and now serve as government MPs.

But 2½ years on, commuters are yet to see those promised three extra services, and will have to wait another 2½ years for the government to make good on its full promise, leading to Opposition charges that voters have been misled.