The Andrews Labor Government’s preferred route for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link will ensure Cranbourne and Pakenham passengers can get to the airport safer and sooner.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced that a re-elected Labor Government would provide up to $5 billion towards the construction of the long-awaited project, matching the commitment from the Federal Government.

The Labor Government has assessed four different options and has determined that a route through Sunshine is the best option which ensures all Victorians benefit.

The Sunshine option is the best option for passengers on the Cranbourne and Pakenham line as it will provide the quickest journey with the least number of changes.

Cranbourne and Pakenham trains will travel through the Labor Government’s $11 billion Metro Tunnel which will slash travel times from the south east to the north west of the city.

The combination of the Metro Tunnel and the Melbourne Airport Rail Link means residents in the South East of Melbourne will be among the big winners from the project.

While the planning is not yet complete this option means that Cranbourne and Pakenham passengers may be able to travel direct to the airport or have one change at most.

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government would begin construction on the project, which will cost between $8-$13 billion would begin in the next term of Government.