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 automatically on the central section of the route, between West Footsrcay and Westall (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.

[@Taitset]

@@BrillOBuffalo Has it been cut back to Clayton? The information I've seen all says 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

[@JC4.80]

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. Classic modern architecture no soul at all.

[@Jakeio-w9j]

@@BillWoodillustrator Differnt is good imo

[@jarooosa]

Travelling across the CBD in 4 minutes is MIND BLOWING.

[@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.

[@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.

[@PyeongTeug]

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

[@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

[@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. :)

[@Kinnibari]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@henrykhosasih8781]

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

[@tobfos]

4 minutes across the CBD is amazing 🤩

[@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.

[@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.

[@arobbins100]

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

[@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

[@petey960]

Wow these new stations look amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@snuggles03]

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

[@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 🚈

[@blauw67]

3:38 I like the look of those yellow lamps

[@Rheilffordd]

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

[@adammurphy6845]

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

[@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

[@JuliansTrainsandGames]

Congrats on 40k subs!

[@dugongdan]

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

[@melbomartin]

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

[@moe_1886]

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

[@davidselby-smith5982]

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

[@gegemec]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ComengProductions]

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

[@SleepyAdrian]

Only someone like Taitset would be able to ride the Munnel

[@lucaseric8679]

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

[@malcolmgibson6288]

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

[@MikeStevens]

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

[@jamesfahey7188]

This is cool. Can’t wait to see it myself. These are palaces for the people.

[@KotaruKun91]

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

[@elaiej]

So cool to see as a former melbourne uni student!

[@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.

[@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!

[@tasmanianmapping]

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

[@YeezyKid]

TAITSET UPLOAD🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@harryscorah2091]

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

[@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...

[@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! :)

[@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

[@MrTimcoronel]

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

[@philgrainger9627]

Thanks for this. I really enjoyed it.

[@alexiscarlton1355]

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

[@lat-roc9733]

Nice Star Wars feel at 7mins

[@emilyfraser-ison2728]

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

[@davidcundy]

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

[@ChrisMeeking]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@TheFinalMinutes]

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

[@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

[@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!)

[@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)!

[@timothyteo4602]

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

[@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.

[@SethTheTrainFan]

Very nice. I saw your post about the metro tunnel video and decided*Why not go see if the video has come out* and right as I clicked the subscriptions page I got the notification about the video 🤣

[@pierreinthavong181]

Nice train video, Martin!😊

[@tx5brent]

That cab footage pulling up to the station really surprised me, I knew the platforms were long, but that puts it into perspective just how long they are.

[@henret505]

I'm incredibly jealous Martin, I wish I had access to such cool things. Nice video!

[@elcasho]

Brilliant video!

[@knight.Skye.04]

I can’t wait for the metro tunnel to open

[@the_train_man]

Another ripper video mate, these videos are life changing 🤌

[@Cool-dope]

I have been watching you ever since you had 1.2k subscibers

[@stuz32]

Fantastic mate, thank you ❤

[@ThompsonSteamtrain]

Pretty cool video thanks for uploading it 😁👍🚇

[@MattsScaleModels]

Matt Austin here, after a name change. Great video, thanks Martin. Of course, I will now only ever measure volume by HO scale Tait M cars!

[@Taitset]

Haha i knew you'd be able to relate!

[@MattsScaleModels]

@@Taitset funny enough, 5,952,381 HO scale Tait M cars is the number I aspire to own. Only 5,952,375 to go.

[@Taitset]

@MattsScaleModels If we put our collections together we'd only need another 5,952,370!

[@movingloz]

Wow 😮.

[@hanshint3013]

Love your work,Taiter

[@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.

[@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

[@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. ;)

[@Cmoose]

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

[@xthompsongunx]

Bold of you to assume that Melbourne Metro workers aren’t regularly watching taitset videos while working on the stations

[@Taitset]

I'm waiting for someone to own up to that. :)

[@hylily3661]

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)

[@jfwfreo]

I recon this guy is to transit in Melbourne what Geoff Marshal is to transit in the UK.. Certainly the best Melbourne transit guy on KZbin that I have seen.

[@GeneralTrainGuy]

thats so cool!!

[@ASHIIIGaming]

6:38 a windows 10 screensaver 😂😂

[@leonkernan]

Lock Screen, but whatever.

[@VaughanMcAlley]

5:32 a big gunzel moment. 8:29 reminded me of the Deeprun Tram.

[@Bwebber99]

Thanks great video

[@normandiebryant6989]

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

[@wapphigh5250]

Can't wait either. Looking forward to the no brainer station they should have also included on the line in the first place.. A New Station at South Yarra. The obvious next no brainer is to build a line split off after Arden > express straight to the airport. It beggers belief why these two options were not built in the first place!

[@DaleDix]

Our debt is off the charts

[@closeben]

Underground all the way to the Airport??

[@darkowl9]

Given the massive amount of build-up around South Yarra, and that they had the cut-in spot further back, it's not really that surprising that post-South Yarra city-bound was not a split-off point. Where and how would they cut into a tunnel along that corridor without the cost spiralling out of control, and still get the trains across to where Anzac is?

[@wapphigh5250]

@@darkowl9 Simple. They could have extended the current Station (with a new construction) on the other side of Toorak road - building it above the train lines present at the moment (with escalators/lifts down onto the new platform) and linked the two (old and new) with walkways and travelators like they have in airports. Even as far as the Jam Factory. That would also hugely expand the retail space in the area- costs could have been recouped by renting out this new premium space! At the moment all that area above those rail lines is wasted anyway - It's just air! There were and are already plans for a new station years ago. South Yarra was a key part of the original project and concept - being the second busiest precinct in the whole entire city and already bottlenecked with old station infrastructure, no parking, slow trams and congested roads. It's actually Liberal Party policy from ages back - but Andrews scrapped the idea! Why? Well who knows! (He was the one who kypboshed this no brainer in the first place). It was ridiculous not building a new station here, as it links other lines quickly to the CPD, solves all the bottlenecks getting around on public transport in the area quickly to the city as well - as Sth Yarra has become a city in itself right now. With over 100,000 residents and all the shopping and restaurants people want to go to... Absurd not to do it.

[@wapphigh5250]

@@closeben Well any way possible! It was a no brainer to link an airport rail to this new metro tunnel, because that is where all the tourists and students would want to go.. as quick as possible into Parkville area (all the student accomodation) and hotels in the CBD (for tourists). Also the fastest way out to the airport for people living South of the city. 😀

[@patrickhunter9525]

9 minutes beats the car travel time even under low traffic conditions and is 10-20 minutes faster during commute hours. Which is more than enough to cancel out escalator time and still be practically significant. Hopefully this will get at least some drivers off the road,

[@user-gc1ky2rf3y]

11:54 interesting to see the TVM block boards in a CBTC area 😅

[@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

[@Oscar-hm2ke]

Oh to be a fly on the wall when Taitset got that phone call

[@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.

[@VeX-bt8mp]

7.42 geezus if a train breaks down in there good luck getting it out.

[@PJRayment]

No different than other places. Have another train pull or push it out.

[@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).