Riding A Test Train In The Metro Tunnel!!

[@Taitset]

Hi everyone, a few answers to some very frequently asked questions here: "Will the trains be automatic/driverless?" - The trains will operate in an automatic mode on the central section of the route, between West Footscray and Clayton (including through the tunnel), but a driver will still be present, and will drive the train manually on the outer parts of the line. This is largely because unlike the Sydney Metro, this is not a self-contained system - the Melbourne Metro Tunnel is part of the traditional suburban railway network, the outer parts of which are not suitable for fully automated operation. You may notice that during the cab scenes in this video, the train is being driven manually. "Will the lighting in the tunnels be that bright?" - No, the lighting you see in this video is turned on for the construction phase. In regular service there will still be some lighting, but it will be dimmer - probably similar to what the City Loop tunnels look like. "How will the Metro Tunnel change other lines on the network?" - You can watch my video explaining that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6GYcmedh6t7nq8 If you enjoy these videos and would like to help support the channel, get early access to videos, behind the scenes content and your name in the credits, you can join my Patreon here: www.patreon.com/Taitset

[@Roadrunnerz45]

that is interesting. driver gets a break during automatic operations. such an arrangement is a first for australia

[@BluePieNinjaTV]

@@Roadrunnerz45 They will still need to monitor the equipment and cameras, so not quite a break

[@BrillOBuffalo]

@Taitset Just to clarify, trains in the tunnel will only run in Automatic Mode (AM) or Supervised Manual (SM modes) and outside the tunnel in automatic (AM/SM) or conventional signal modes on the outer sections as far as West Footscray and Clayton*. Not Westall.

[@VictorianTransportHistory]

Taitset being a giddy child is something we can all relate to

[@saltyaussie]

to be honest, these new stations actually look quite nice, and the test train footage is perfect. here's to more tism tickling videos 👍

[@formerly_chucks]

I like the light industrial design, it's refreshingly stripped back compared to some of the more showy designs in some Sydney stations

[@JC4.72]

Beautiful

[@BillWoodillustrator]

@@formerly_chucksprefer Sydney’s…. More of a sense of unity in design… Melbourne’s all seem too different.

[@SEGFC]

They look like half finished construction sites. Too much concrete and random bits of orange and red. Typical modern architecture, no soul at all.

[@Jakeio-w9j]

@@BillWoodillustrator Differnt is good imo

[@jarooosa]

Travelling across the CBD in 4 minutes is MIND BLOWING.

[@AshRockTV]

Trains being able to reach 80km is also amazing. As a metro, it has to stop and start so fast take offs and especially the speed is great. Hopefully this new tunnel results in people using it instead of the tram across the city.

[@JohnSmith-qi6pm]

MiNd bLoWiNg 🙄

[@duskpede5146]

@@JohnSmith-qi6pm bro getting from the shrine to melb uni would take like half an hour normally

[@JohnSmith-qi6pm]

@@duskpede5146 stay in mums basement bRo

[@duskpede5146]

@@JohnSmith-qi6pm hey, its 2025. don't act like anyone can actually afford to move out of home anymore bro im paying like 300 a week for this basement, thats a really good deal! you won't find that anywhere else this close to the cbd!

[@mattjj_]

this is such a monumental moment, so jealous you got to experience it but also so happy that you were able to

[@Taitset]

Certainly never would have imagined myself getting an invite like this a couple of years ago!

[@bluckfox]

@@Taitset lol

[@LordPhobos6502]

@@Taitset I'm very glad you got to go, and appreciate that you were permitted to film & share the experience

[@sabin1022]

@@Taitset is it possible for the public to apply for a tour, or is it a select few people?

[@Taitset]

@sabin1022 I'm not aware of any public opportunities at the moment, hopefully they'll do something soon though!

[@lachiemcdonald7283]

Having worked on this project for 2 years its great to see the general public finally enjoying and getting a look in at the new stations. Just wait for when the city stations open up, they are spectacular.

[@MrProzacmilkshake]

when

[@AshRockTV]

The new stations here are great. You should see how terrible the new stations are that were recently built in New York City, they're an embarrassment.

[@PyeongTeug]

0:35 when you said “of course I said yes.” I felt the excitement spilling out from that sentence lol

[@rogerramjetox142pa]

I think he was trying to hide a squeal of excitement LOL

[@Kinnibari]

I’m glad the metro team are giving us some previews by inviting people like you along

[@somax1259]

This reminds me of when I was younger I got the chance to go in the Elizabeth line in London before it opened, which now that I think about it, is an almost identical project

[@melbournerailwayvideos]

10:17 I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation about "MT2" being the "next big" something. Along with the "electrification to Melton". I wonder if the guy talking about it was someone important with some info we don't yet know. Or maybe it's just ridiculously wishful thinking on my behalf! Thanks for another great video!

[@Taitset]

Good pick up! I'm not sure who that guy is, but he certainly sounded confident!

[@peterhoz]

That's how France does these projects so quickly and inexpensively. As soon as they finish one project they move onto the next.

[@Arjun_Emeralds]

@@Taitset could that mean Metro Tunnel 2? I've heard some rumours about it so im not sure.

[@commentymccommentface9748]

Metro Tunnel 2 has had some level of planning since Metro Tunnel started construction. It's all over the Fishermens Bend Renewal plans. If they want that to go ahead, we're going to need MT2 and the Tram extensions proposed.

[@joshanderson9391]

We are so back

[@Jules_Diplopia]

What a splendid trip. I thought when you said 9 minutes instead of 29 minutes to go south was impressive. The never to be repeated in the real world 4 minutes back north. Incredible. Thanks for taking us along.

[@jasonsacco4339]

I can assure you that that wasn’t the first Tait set video watched in the Metro Tunnel. That was achieved over 12 months ago.

[@Taitset]

Haha thanks, was waiting for someone to admit to that. :)

[@michaelpowell6023]

Yep, I am guilty of that too.

[@bahnspotterEU]

Parkville station has a real retro-70s vibe to it! The round lights in the mild orange and those oval vents and design elements by the escalators remind me heavily of 70s styling.

[@tobfos]

4 minutes across the CBD is amazing 🤩

[@user-fed-yum]

Obviously we're all very jealous and can't believe we haven't had a turn yet. On the other hand, you are a great ambassador for Melbourne and thoroughly deserve it. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@Rheilffordd]

What an excellent opportunity, and thanks for sharing! Not just a ride on a test train, but a cab ride too! 😜

[@xm9g]

I cant wait for the metro tunnel to open

[@tristanchase2887]

Said everyone always lol

[@dancer20617]

When is it opening ?

[@sercancelenk7131]

@@dancer20617 aiming for mid 2026

[@arobbins100]

Brilliant - That's an real great introduction to an amazing piece of work that will serve Melbournians for years to come.

[@YukeWeiss]

This is so cool. I've spent so much time around Grattan St the past few years that to see this all happening under me is surreal. Can't wait for it to open.

[@gegemec]

Amazing. I remember when the city circle first opened and how transformative it felt. This is even more breathtaking. Thanks for the post.

[@davidnelson7786]

Looking fantastic! Reminds me a lot like Singapore’s rail service stations when I visited in 2009. Great safety features.

[@mahadali1509]

I’ve had the opportunity to work on this project for 4 years and it’s so fascinating to see the public’s perspective on things that have become everyday life for me. I actually saw your group getting the tour but never heard of your channel! Great stuff keep up the good work!

[@emusaurus]

Wow how exciting! Once in a lifetime adventure

[@usnoozeyuloosey]

I was very fortunate to user Denmarks CBT system with their automated trains. No drivers was very weird but it's so good to see those efficiencies coming across

[@ComengProductions]

Awesome video, the new stations are really starting to come along. What an awesome experience, riding through the tunnel early

[@dugongdan]

I never thought I'd say this but I am jealous.

[@MrTimcoronel]

so looking forward to this, as I'll be going Caulfield/Parkville three or four days per week

[@Funnyedits12]

The second I saw this video on my FYP I suddenly said “WHAT” As a train enthusiast I HAVE TO watch this vid. Thx

[@callumbooth-lewis6281]

I love the wee MM logos everywhere! Gives a lovely retro/art-deco touch and feels like old UK stations with GWR monograms everywhere in the benches/canopies etc.

[@SirHeinzbond]

as far as i remember the time they build another subway line in my hometown, those test trains had also a healthy and safety feature, they help to circulate the air in the new build tunnels and stations to get the moisture, dust and bad air more and more dispersed with "clean" Air from the still traffic plagued city above...

[@mariabeatrizlopezperalta5681]

Hopefully, it opens soon-just in time for my final year at UniMelb! I've been admiring it for years, and it looks more stunning every time I see it!

[@chickennoodle6620]

@@mariabeatrizlopezperalta5681 they started construction in 2018 when I started at Unimelb and hopefully I get to ride it in my final year at Unimelb next year!

[@tenor1190]

I’m so excited since I travel between Southbank and parkville campuses !!

[@alexiscarlton1355]

I just keep getting bushfire vibes from the tile art. Can't unsee it.

[@petey960]

Wow these new stations look amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@melStephens1994]

That was amazing! Thank you so much for that wonderful video. Glad you got to enjoy this experience and thank you for bringing it to us.

[@elaiej]

So cool to see as a former melbourne uni student!

[@malcolmgibson6288]

Impressive, but I think that they missed an opportunity by not having an aquarium linked to the river.😅

[@GustavSvard]

Here in Stockholm we got our suburban rail tunnel under the core 7 years ago, and I have to agree about the platform number signage. Here they've got the platform numbers on the PID above the platforms while the numbers on the PSD are the door numbers. Makes more sense.

[@adammurphy6845]

Thanks for suffering through this for all of us! It must of be pure hell!

[@dragonfly_closet]

I love your sense of humour so much

[@MikeStevens]

Hahaha, I love how boarding the train was like boarding a plane. A rare treat I imagine!

[@KotaruKun91]

that's awesome! can't wait to go for a ride

[@Techno-Universal]

3:16 Wouldn’t be surprised if that shopping area becomes a small food court with a couple of big fast food restaurants like KFC, a sushi chain location and possibly a few local independent restaurants/cafes! :)

[@davidnelson7786]

I’d hope that the big chains stay out of it and that a Mr Minit and a newsstand is available as well.

[@harryscorah2091]

This looks fantastic, really reminiscent of the Elizabeth line in London!

[@snuggles03]

Hey, thank you for sharing that video. I can’t wait to travel on it when it opens.

[@tristanchase2887]

Whatever us mere recreational observers got to see comes a very distant second to just how awesome an experience that would've been for you personally. If you had even half as good a time as I imagine you did, then that puts a big smile on my face!

[@martinschalken7583]

Great video! Maybe next time they’ll ask “wanna drive a train through the metro tunnel?” 😆 I didn’t see Phillip this time. He probably said “nah, that doesn’t really interest me.” 😂

[@lauriewhite8153]

wasn't he on the escalator?? the back of that guy's head had black hair

[@martinschalken7583]

Maybe… hard to tell lol

[@tasmaniantaswegian]

now when we get metro tunnel 2 we NEED this video but from fishermans bend to carlton

[@henrykhosasih8781]

Can't believe I live right above this tunnel. Looking forward to the opening day!

[@carlyann2241]

Great video! What a privilege to have a ride in the metro tunnel! We appreciate you sharing this video with us and the train loving community 🚈

[@henrystevens9893]

Thanks for the trip. Now, I'm looking forwards to doing the same when the service opens.

[@longhardarm6255]

As a Uni Melb student I can't wait till its completed! The whole area around Haymarket is such an innovative place with the university, RMH, WEHI, Cancer centre, CSL and will be well accommodated with a metro station. Very very excited

[@DC4260Productions]

The skylights at Parkville remind me of Auckland's Britomart station, which has a similar setup with skylights right above the platforms. Incidentally, the HCMT set shown at 4:48 was the same one I rode from East Pakenham to Flinders Street during my Melbourne holiday back in June.

[@moe_1886]

Awesome tour Taitset. Thank you so much for sharing some behind the scenes footage.

[@emilyfraser-ison2728]

This is amazing! I am super excited about this as someone who lives on the Sunbury line. I cannot wait.

[@VopsVops]

thanks so much for this preview. I think the Parkville Station will become one of the busiest stations on the whole train network. When I went to Melbourne Uni many moons ago, there was a constant stream of people getting on and off trams heading to the uni or hospital district. This is be of great assistance to hospital staff that work late and use public transport.

[@TheFinalMinutes]

Lucky you! As someone who lives close to Anzac I'm just a wee bit jealous!

[@melbomartin]

Oh man, I love this. Can't wait for it to open. Will be a highlight of next year for me.

[@adamooseandsammy]

Thank you for this video! I loved the insight on the build! It looks really modern and I’m really looking forward to being able to access it!

[@peterredfern1174]

Geez not quite the suburban network I drove on in the 70s,but great video,thank you,🚂👏👏👋👋👍🚂

[@philgrainger9627]

Thanks for this. I really enjoyed it.

[@dylansharpe633]

Very interesting look! Really hoping this will be open for my Grand Prix trip next year but with how the other stations are looking maybe not unfortunately.

[@Taitset]

Yeah I think my guess would be closer to mid-year, but who knows!

[@ChrisMeeking]

This would have been such an amazing and fun moment! Great video!

[@Bondoz007]

Thanks for sharing something so special. I can't believe there are comments already bitching about various things. I'm like you - excited and thankful we have such an amazing rail project about to go live. I will add your Southern Hemisphere fun fact to my short list (funnily enough all train related!)

[@davidcundy]

Awesome video. I loved it. Can't wait to try out this new line.

[@blauw67]

3:38 I like the look of those yellow lamps

[@BeastlyBones]

The interior design of these places is just amazing. I think I'm most excited to see State Library and I would love if they went all on a design that complimented the SLV

[@bryangl1]

Thank you, I enjoyed that immensely, particularly as it's unlikely I will ever be able to make the journey in the flesh, so to speak. For that matter, it's many years since I was able to get into the city, so this was an added treat. Congratulations on a beautifully executed video.

[@MTBK03]

Wow new stations remind me of the MRT stations back in Singapore

[@nikilaj]

god I can’t wait for the tunnel to open. obviously it’s never gonna be done during regular service but 4 minutes is insane to cross the city

[@oxthcar]

Another great vid! My guess for the internal PIDs showing Northern Yellow is that the specific set has only been running to Dandenong, and so might glitch with another light blue line? Not sure though lol

[@Taitset]

I'm thinking maybe that it's technically counting as a Sunbury line train at the moment, and the colour applies automatically based on that? It looks like they went blue when we went back north.

[@oxthcar]

@@Taitset that'd make more sense! Do you know how often HCMTs run out to Sunbury?

[@Taitset]

@@oxthcar There are two that go out there empty and run up trains in the morning peak, that's it for the moment.

[@TrainDriver186]

@Taitset 9:23 you can see the route map display top right is now blue once you're south of Town Hall.

[@JuliansTrainsandGames]

My friend who loves watching this channel is too jealous to watch this video. He can’t be holding back that hard, holy crap.

[@reallybadviolinist]

great to see!! as a melbournian living near srl east its good to see a glimpse of what it might look like (if they ever finish srl)!

[@coxsj]

Nicely produced Martin, in all aspects!! Great to get a peek at the new station. Totally agree on the big train direction signs at the bottom of the escalator. I have to say, I'm not warming to the station platform doors. Just the railfan in me I'm sure. I'd prefer the Japanese style of low barriers. Works with shinkansen, should be fine for Melbourne metro trains. But that's probably just me! Commuters will appreciate them I'm sure. Also, I was a little sad to see the signals absent in the tunnel. Same deal. Ah progress, it giveth and it taketh!!! Cheers Mate!! 😃

[@Taitset]

Thankyou! Yes I absolutely agree, not a fan of the doors - but mostly just for railfan reasons. ;)

[@pierremainstone-mitchell8290]

Nice one indeed! 🙂

[@timothyteo4602]

Parkville now reminds me of Bras Basah on the Circle MRT line back in Singapore

[@pierreinthavong181]

Nice train video, Martin!😊

[@McFearsome2]

I've not seen the solid overhead DC before.. I wonder what the pros and cons are using that system are over the more commonly used high tension wires... Also, thank you for converting the measurement from the unfamiliar swimming pool metric to one that makes far more sense.

[@nomadtales]

This might be useful. The benefits being discussed here in regards to the Sydney Metro's use of them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWWyg6OeYrSsrtE

[@Revilok08]

after watching a few videos on the perth airport line which uses the same system i believe they require less maintenance as they are a solid bar instead of a wire.

[@lat-roc9733]

Nice Star Wars feel at 7mins

[@Just_One_0]

I can't wait to use this system from Footscray to get to places like Anzac for ANZAC day or to Clayton for medical appointments

[@davidselby-smith5982]

With a son who loves travelling on public transport every weekend for fun, I wish he had the opportunity.

[@SleepyAdrian]

Only someone like Taitset would be able to ride the Munnel

[@lucaseric8679]

@@SleepyAdrian why is it called the munnel? Metro tunnel?

[@thex-wing]

Thank you very much for sharing this with us very interesting stations under the ground yeah my invitation must have got lost in the mail hahaha

[@Cmoose]

So close to 40K!! I remember when you were at 5k!

[@CentreHalfBack]

Love your work,Taiter

[@thunderturbine8860]

@Taitset jolly good show matey 👍 I would've killed to get an experience like this (Though I'm on the Mernda line lmao 😂 and we have really meh stations on this route). I'll check out these stations when they're open to the public. It's been a life long dream of mine to operate a train (I want to be a train operator, hopefully I can get to that goal sooner rather than later).

[@Linnie0499]

Glad you got the helmets incase the tunnel caves in

[@peterelvery]

Thanks Martin. Looks like you had fun. From Sydney experience, platform numbers are largely irrelevant. The signs indicating the final destination are the key to avoiding disorientation. As you probably know, there are clear audio announcements in Sydney Metro stations as trains enter the platform but when trains enter simultaneously from both directions...🤔 Also, are there no crossovers at all in the tunnels?

[@Taitset]

It doesn't necessarily need to be the actual numbers, just some strong indication of direction as soon as you arrive on the platform. The problem with the ultimate destination being the main thing displayed is that unlike the Sydney metro, here there are lots of intermediate terminating locations - there will be at least 7 in the normal timetable, plus three or four more that may happen occasionally. So if you're not super familiar with the system, you walk down, and it says Westall on one platform and Watergardens on the other, it's not going to be immediately obvious. On existing lines it's not as bad beacuse one direction is (in most casea) quite obviously the city, but that won't be the case here. Yep, no crossovers in the tunnel!

[@elcasho]

Brilliant video!

[@ThompsonSteamtrain]

Pretty cool video thanks for uploading it 😁👍🚇

[@asherjackson4504]

I have lived in Melbourne for three years, and have taken a train only a few times. I have always been confused as to why the trains don’t seem to go anywhere useful within the city. I have no need to go to outer suburban areas, and the trains really only seem useful for that. It’s good that now it will be possible to use the train within the city itself.

[@TheLostProbe]

because that's historically what the trains were used for, to funnel people into the city from the suburbs and then scatter them back out again once work was over. if you wanted to get around within the city then you'd use the trams, which still applies today and I think it should continue to be applicable because the inner city isn't really dense enough to justify a proper underground metro network, aside from a few corridors but they'd only need a few stations and the costs would outweigh the benefits

[@Sweetwaterdream]

I walk past the town hall site every day and wonder just how long its going to take to finish...it looks nowhere near finished and wonder if we will see it all open next year.

[@Maxparson299]

So cool

[@ASHIIIGaming]

6:38 a windows 10 screensaver 😂😂

[@leonkernan]

Lock Screen, but whatever.

[@gregmichael8473]

Interesting to note that the Overhead "structures" are numbered similarly to those on the current network, eg it looked like 79+63 at Parkville, which translates to 7963 feet from somewhere, presumably from the normal datum at the east end of Platforms 8 and 9 at Flinders St. Do these numbers reverse at the portals, so for the Caulfield bound tunnel do the numbers start at the Sth Ken portal with the current local value and increase through to the Sth Yarra portal? I'll probably have to wait till I ride the tunnels to get answers as to how they are linked to the current numbers and whether they are numbered separately in both tunnels. Although there are no fixed signals, I noticed one of those blue and orange CBTC markers with what appears to be a number at Parkville.

[@XTrampolineYT]

TAITSET UPLOAD🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@normandiebryant6989]

Frankly, even if the train went UP the yarra, you still wouldn't see any fish through the sediment. :-) Great video!

[@GeneralTrainGuy]

thats so cool!!

[@stuz32]

Fantastic mate, thank you ❤

[@hylily14]

To me the station designs remind me of the 'non-core' Elizabeth Line stations, like Canary Wharf or Paddington! (While the Sydney Metro City designs remind me of the 'core' Elizabeth Line stations like Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road)

[@nomadtales]

Wow lucky duck. When are you going to take a journey on Sydney Metro? Went on it for first time on the weekend and the similarities to the MM, tunnel side, are evident from this video. Solid overhead wire, platform screen doors blocking views of the station etc. The only major difference being the driverless trains.

[@Taitset]

I narrowly missed the opening on my last trip! Will hopefully get up there again soon.

[@godfreysanter1565]

Plus the different seating arrangements - Sydney: side facing seats, Melbourne: forward/back facing.