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Community

25 October, 2024

VLocity trains roll in next week

TRAIN travel to and from Melbourne looks set to “improve” for locals following this week’s announcement of new and extended services.

By Staff Writer

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams and Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora (centre) with VLine’s John Byrne, Jack Redford, Brenton Farrel and chief executive Matt Carrick (right) on the Warrnambool platform earlier this week.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams and Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora (centre) with VLine’s John Byrne, Jack Redford, Brenton Farrel and chief executive Matt Carrick (right) on the Warrnambool platform earlier this week.

During a visit to Warrnambool on Tuesday morning, Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced that a new V/Line timetable would deliver a range of new travel options for regional passengers on one of Victoria’s busiest lines.

The timetable will take effect from Sunday, December 1 and will deliver 68 new weekend services for Geelong line passengers and the introduction of a fourth weekend service on the Warrnambool line.

Passengers will also see the introduction of VLocity trains on the Warrnambool line for the first time starting next Friday, November 1.

In reply to concerns that the new trains would see a reduction in the number of available seats for passengers, Ms Williams remained confident that the new trains – and the added weekend service – would be welcomed.

“Logistically, these platforms are not long enough for six-carriage VLocity trains but we are confident these new trains will provide a more comfortable ride and will be more easily accessible for the community,” Ms Williams said.

According to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora, these new trains will deliver more modern, reliable and accessible journeys.

“New VLocity trains for the first time on the Warrnambool line, coupled with an extra service on weekends, is a big improvement for people across the south west,” Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said.

“These trains will be comfortable, efficient and will also provide greater accessibility for all.”

The new services are part of the government’s election promise to deliver up to 200 extra weekend services, which are being rolled out progressively across the regional network.

The introduction of VLocity services follows the completion of the Geelong and Warrnambool line upgrades.

These upgrades included the replacement of around 70,000 sleepers between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool, the duplication of eight kilometres of track, and the removal or upgrade of 67 level crossings.

“The government’s regional fare cap has transformed the way people travel around the state, with more than 33 million train trips taken across the network and more than $90 million saved since it was introduced last year,” the Minister said.

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