Editing Cranbourne line (section)

=== Signalling ===
[[File:FB vs MB.jpg|thumb|Difference between both fixed block and moving block [[Railway signalling|signalling]] systems]]
Since its re-opening in 1995, the Cranbourne line had used a [[Railway signalling#Fixed block|fixed-block, three-position signalling system]] designed for lower frequencies and less services.<ref name=":15">Fisher, Peter (2007). ''Victorian Signalling: by Accident or Design?''. Australian Railway Historical Society (Victorian Division). {{isbn|978-1-920892-50-0}}</ref> However, the ageing system had undermined reliability due to the presence of system faults and limited frequencies, requiring the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines to upgrade their signalling system. Since 2021, high-capacity signalling (HCS) has been rolling out on the Pakenham, Cranbourne, and Sunbury lines, allowing trains to safely run closer together and run more frequently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria's Big Build |date=18 March 2022 |title=High Capacity Signalling |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/technology/high-capacity-signalling |access-date=13 December 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build}}</ref> The new system is being delivered by [[CPB Contractors]] and [[Bombardier Transportation]] under the Rail Systems Alliance. These works valued at $1 billion includes the roll-out of {{convert|55|km}} of HCS and communications systems on the aforementioned lines, allowing an increase in reliability and frequency.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=19 July 2017 |title=Victoria awards Melbourne Metro high-capacity signalling contract |url=https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/victoria-awards-melbourne-metro-high-capacity-signalling-contract/ |access-date=13 December 2022 |website=Railway PRO}}</ref> The line will be equipped with Bombardier's [[Cityflo 650 CBTC|CityFlo 650]] [[Communications-based train control|communications-based train control system]], which will enable operation at 2–3 minute headways.

The upgrade works were completed in phases from 2021. With the upgraded signalling system, trains are now able to run closer to each other. The new system was tested on the [[Mernda railway line|Mernda line]] and a section of the Cranbourne line before being fully implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria's Big Build |date=18 March 2022 |title=Testing on the Mernda line |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/construction/rail-lines/mernda-line |access-date=13 December 2022 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213102714/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/construction/rail-lines/mernda-line |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2022, the Cranbourne line underwent further testing of high-tech signalling equipment, to ensure the new trains and signalling system can safely run alongside older-generation trains—including [[Freight railways in Melbourne|freight]] and V/Line trains—and the existing signalling system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mirage News |date=24 December 2021 |title=Upgrades to bring more trains more often |url=https://www.miragenews.com/upgrades-to-bring-more-trains-more-often-700529/ |access-date=13 December 2022 |website=Mirage News}}</ref>{{clear}}