It serves the northern suburb of Reservoir, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

[5][6] Ruthven station was named after William Ruthven, who served in both world wars (winning the Victoria Cross in World War I), and was later a member of the Victorian Parliament, representing Preston and then Reservoir.

[7][8] A ceremony was held a day earlier to celebrate the opening, and dignitaries attending included Transport Minister Edward Meagher, and the opposition leader in the Victorian Legislative Council, John Galbally.

[9] In 2022, Ruthven received a $1.03 million upgrade, as part of the Victoria's Big Build project,[11][12] including improved facilities and lighting, resurfacing the asphalt on the island platform, new PTV station signage with the red "Clifton Hill group" colour, and a substation constructed opposite Platform 1.

[11][12] Ruthven has one island platform with two faces and is served by Mernda line trains.