Overview
- The final stage opened on Friday when the first train arrived at 4:04am and hundreds gathered on the platform to watch the run.
- Train enthusiasts, politicians and members of the construction teams cheered the inaugural service and joined public celebrations at stations.
- The opening completes the mega rail project’s south-west section after years of staged works and brings new direct services for south-west suburbs.
- Meanwhile, racing coverage continued with trainer Shane Jackson’s Victoria Derby hopeful King Snitz taking a sea swim at Warrnambool’s Lady Bay as part of its build-up.
- A Derby Day preview by tipster David Gately was published to guide carnival readers while the metro opening shifts attention to how the new line will affect commuter patterns and local events.