One of the lone few remaining sources of mid-journey salvation for Melbourne commuters is set to fall by the wayside, with the announcement that Flinders St Station has abruptly closed the vast majority of its platform take away kiosks in a move that’ll no doubt leave train travellers hungry for answers.
Word is spreading today that the station has closed all but one of their platform kiosks, which previously serviced hungry passengers with the welcoming, warming glow of a bain marie, slinging people entirely serviceable potato cakes when they often need them the most.
The end of an era as all but one of the popular Flinders Street Station kiosks to close as part of a major overhaul. Full story on 7 News at 6.00pm | https://t.co/iNdY8JnFxU #7News pic.twitter.com/WWTIDEddzP
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) July 5, 2018
Delivery staff and franchise owners were reportedly told they’d be getting the boot mid-last week, as Flinders Street officials look to free up extra space for commuters on the already-crowded platforms.
The only kiosk that will remain in operation sits on Platform 1, servicing the South Morang and Hustbridge lines. That kiosk survives due to a heritage overlay protection on the unit.
The contract held between Metro and the kiosks leaseholder initially expired last year, but it was extended through to last Friday, with operation ceasing after then.
The closure of the kiosks is part of the $100million revamp earmarked for the ageing station, which is set to give the station’s platforms a much-needed upgrade with a view to improving the flow of passengers.
A spokesperson for Red Engine Group, who operated the kiosks, stated it was sad to see such an iconic fixture of Flinders St go.
We are disappointed to lose four of the five original kiosks, but remain grateful to be able to continue serving our faithful customers on Platform 1.
So there it is, mates. No mid-commute dimmies on a rainy Friday for you anymore.
Unless of course you’re trundling over to Platform 1, that is. But you try and convince a southside passenger to go to a northside line platform.
It’s just not happening.
