On 21 October 1928, automatic signals worked by trains were provided at St Kilda, allowing the signal box at the station to be closed when freight trains were not using the yard. The yard was simplified to a platform road and four sidings in 1952, and the last goods service operated on 18 June 1959. The St Kilda to Brighton Street railway was discontinued in 1959, to be replaced by buses. Passenger facilities were also downgraded, with the railway refreshment rooms closed in 1969, the post office closed in 1972, and the booking hall and ladies waiting room closed in 1976. October 1978 also saw the closure of the station as a depot for train crews, with overnight stabling of trains also ceasing. In the final years of the station, only two sidings remained, and colour light signals replaced semaphores.