Mountain bikers and other cyclists now have easier access to popular off-road trails and other riding areas in and around the southern suburbs, with bike-friendly rail carriages operating on the Belair line from today.

Five rail carriages are being reconfigured to allow more space for bicycles.  The first of the carriages went into service on the line today, with further carriages to become operational from next weekend.

The bike-friendly service will be available during weekends, public holidays and off-peak services. Trains on the Belair line will include an existing standard carriage and a reconfigured, bike service carriage.

The refitted carriages only require a two-seat reduction to the standard 72-seat configuration while providing additional bike storage space.

The same carriages will operate during peak times on weekdays, however cyclists using the carriage at these times (before 9am and between 3-6pm) must have a ticket both for themselves and a separate, additional peak concession MetroCard or MetroTicket for their bicycle ($2 per trip if using a concession MetroCard, or $3 per trip if using a single trip concession MetroTicket). Learn more about bikes on trains.

Travellers should always consider the safety and comfort of other passengers, and cyclists are required to remain with their bikes on-board the bike carriage.