Flagstaff station will be opened on weekends regardless of who wins the November state election, with both major parties making a Sunday pitch for votes on the issue of public transport.
The City Loop station is currently closed on weekends but Labor on Sunday pledged to open the station if it wins the November 29 poll.
Commuters pass through Flagstaff station.Credit: Craig Abraham
Just last week Greens leader Greg Barber tabled a petition in State Parliament calling for the station to be opened on weekends, saying it would provide vital access to the area and help local traders' business.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said the western part of the CBD was no longer the "dead end" of the city, with a surge in new apartments as well as easy access to Queen Victoria Market and the northern end of Etihad Stadium.
"There are something like 8000 apartments being built in this precinct right now. This western end of the city is thriving, it is growing, it is very popular," Mr Andrews said.
Opening the station was part of Labor's Homesafe policy to have 24-hour train and tram services on Friday and Saturday nights, and would cost $1 million, he said.
Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the government planned to open Flagstaff station on weekends from April, when the train timetables will be changed.
Greens candidate for Melbourne Ellen Sandell said the Greens had long supported the proposal.
"It's a quick, low-cost way to stimulate local economy and ensure residents can make the most of their local area," she said.
Metro chief executive Andrew Lezala said opening the station was worthy and the costs were manageable.
Premier Denis Napthine joined Mr Mulder to unveil a new information campaign about the Free Tram Zone in the city, which was announced in March and begins on January 1.