We've answered some of the questions that may be on your mind about the new timetable commencing in May.

• Why are we changing the timetable?

  The number of people using Melbourne's train system is growing every day. One of the ways we are helping move more customers every day is by changing and adding services to the timetable.

  As our fleet of new trains expands, we plan to make two timetable changes each year.

• Where's the best place to interchange on the Glen Waverley line for the City Loop stations?

  Richmond station. Glen Waverley trains will be timed to arrive at Richmond just ahead of a connecting City Loop service arriving from Belgrave, Lilydale or Alamein. This will be a cross-platform move from platform 7 to platform 8. Services will be running through the City Loop every 2-3 minutes during the height of the morning peak.

• How can you add more services to the timetable when the current punctuality isn't above performance threshold?

  The changes in May will focus on helping improve punctuality across the network by:

  • providing simpler stopping patterns on some lines
  • removing bottlenecks around the City Loop
  • moving services around to match demand at stations and on specific lines.

  It's about getting the basics right.

• Why aren't there any new services on my line?

  This is the first stage of an overhaul of the timetable. As our capacity to run more trains increases, with new trains being added to the network, changes will gradually be made to other lines such as Epping and Hurstbridge.

• What's this talk about moving towards a "metro-style" timetable mean?

  It means a simplified timetable for customers; less variance in stopping patterns and more even spacing between services (e.g. there would be a service every 10 minutes - 7.10am, 7.20am, 7.30am etc).

• Where can I collect a new timetable?

  Timetables will be available from April 24 at all premium stations, the Customer Information Centre at Flinders Street Station and the Metlink shop in Swanston Street. They're also available online at metrotrains.com.au.

• Why is there now a 22-minute frequency for the Westona Loop instead of a 20-minute frequency?

  This is the frequency that works best via Newport with a 22 minute Laverton frequency, a 22 minute Wiliamstown frequency, an 11 minute Werribee frequency and an 11 minute Geelong (V/Line) frequency.

• If I'm travelling from a station on the Westona Loop into the city during the peak, do I need to change at Newport?

  No. Laverton services will run to the city (via Westona) during the peak periods.