A NEW 24-hour public transport service on weekends due to begin on New Year’s Day could include trains running every 30 minutes overnight.

The Andrews Government is probing detailed costs related to its popular Homesafe promise, including for extra train, tram and bus drivers, ticket inspectors, and customer service staff.

The Sunday Herald Sun has obtained information submitted to the government on staff and cost estimates.

It includes numbers for services at either half-hour or hourly intervals.

In a rare display of unity between train operators Metro and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, both major stakeholders agree 83 drivers would be required for 30 minute services across the weekend.

It is understood the estimated cost of all the extra staff needed for the 12 month Homesafe trial is close to Labor’s opposition policy costing of $50 million — even with trains leaving every 30 minutes.

However, the government has been warned that the cost of staffing every station with protective services officers could add $20 million to the bill.

Last week, Premier Daniel Andrews said there would be an expansion of PSOs during the 12 month trial, but no firm plans have been outlined.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told the Sunday Herald Sun details were being worked through but trains were guaranteed to operate on every metropolitan line.

“We want to make it safer and easier to get home late at night, and that’s what Homesafe is all about,” she said.

“Planning has begun, and we will work closely with everyone involved over the coming months to work through details.”

Public Transport Victoria has met with operators and police to start to develop more detailed plans.

A spokeswoman PTV was looking at “network coverage, service frequency, timetables, driver rostering, Authorised Officer and customer service staffing levels, and staff training”.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Luba Grigorovitch said she fully supported the plan, but stations must be adequately staffed “in the best interest of the public”.

Ms Grigorovitch said recommendations on staffing numbers had been provided to the State Government.

The union has also recommended a trial of the scheme before New Year’s Eve.

matthew.johnston@news.com.au