Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network. Legend — Stopping PatternsServices do not operate via the City Loop ● – All trains stop ◐ – Some services do not stop ▼ – Only outbound trains stop Operators The Frankston line has had a total of 6 operators since its opening in 1881. The majority of operations throughout its history have been government run: from its first service in 1881 until the 1997 privatisation of Melbourne's rail network, three different government operators have run the line. These operators, Victorian Railways, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the Public Transport Corporation have a combined operational length of 120 years. In comparison, the three private operators, M-Train, Connex Melbourne, and Metro Trains Melbourne have had a combined operational period of years. Route The Frankston line forms a somewhat linear route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus in Frankston. The route is long and is predominantly doubled tracked, however between Flinders Street station and Richmond, the track is widened to 12 tracks, narrowing to 6 tracks between Richmond and South Yarra before again narrowing to 4 tracks between South Yarra and Caulfield. After Caulfield station, the track again narrows to 3 tracks, which is remain till Moorabbin when the track narrows to two tracks. The centre track is signalled for bidirectional operation, allowing for express trains overtaking stopping trains in the peak direction. After changing from Werribee and Williamstown services at Flinders Street, Frankston line traverses mainly flat country with few curves and fairly minimal earthworks for most of the line. However, between South Yarra and Malvern, the rail corridor has been lowered into a cutting to eliminate level crossings, and between Malvern and Caulfield, the corridor has been raised on an embankment for the same reason. After Caulfield, the line formerly had numerous level crossings, however, all have now been abolished through numerous rail trenches and rail bridges. Remaining level crossings on the line will be removed by 2029 under other level crossing removal works. The line follows the same alignment as the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines with the three services splitting onto different routes at Caulfield. The Frankston line continues on its south eastern alignment, whereas the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines takes an eastern alignment towards their final destinations. From Mentone, the line is never more than ~ from the eastern shore