Mobiles in the loop

The Napthine government has announced an agreement to extend mobile phone coverage throughout the City Loop tunnels.
For the first time rail commuters, through their mobile phone carrier, will have high-quality mobile coverage in the City Loop tunnels and at underground stations.
Commuters will be able to use their mobile devices in the usual way and make uninterrupted phone calls, text, stream videos and music and surf the web.
This project builds upon the improvements to the metropolitan rail system already implemented or underway by the Napthine government.
In May, Pakenham line punctuality improved to 85.2 per cent – up from a low under Labor of 65.6 per cent in 2010.
And to improve this performance further and to prepare for future growth in demand, the Napthine government is investing $2 to 2.5 billion to increase the carrying capacity of the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines by 30 per cent, removing nine level crossings along the line and purchasing 25 next generation, high capacity trains.
The Napthine government will also build Melbourne Airport Rail Link and from 1 January next year, public transport users will be able to travel across Zone 1 and 2 for the price of a Zone 1 fare.
For Pakenham line commuters who travel daily across Zone 1 and 2, this will mean an annual saving of about $1200.
The Napthine government is building a better public transport system for residents of the Gembrook electorate.
Brad Battin MP,
Member for Gembrook.