The Gillard government's last budget pledged $3 billion to the project, but that money was ultimately transferred to the abandoned to the East West Link by the Abbott government.

Opposition infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese will on Friday announce the Melbourne Metro project will be Labor's first priority for Victorian infrastructure if it wins the election.

"Victorians have been dudded by the Coalition government, with the state receiving just 8 per cent of federal infrastructure funding despite accounting for 25 per cent of the population," Mr Albanese said.

"Total infrastructure investment has collapsed under the Coalition government with the ABS figures confirming public infrastructure investment has fallen 20 per cent since its election."

And while Labor is at long odds to win the next poll a recommitment and focus on public transport may give the party some much needed political ammunition in some seats under threat from the Greens and soft Liberals in Melbourne.

The Andrews government is committed to the project but has been lobbying the federal government for cash to help pay for the rail tunnel that will run under the city from North Melbourne to South Yarra via Parkville.