If you frequently travel by train to and from regional Victoria, you may have experienced some of the challenges associated with V/Line services. From technical faults leading to delays to overcrowded carriages, these issues can significantly detract from the comfort of regional rail journeys. In response to these ongoing problems and a fare price reduction last year, significant changes are on the horizon.
State Government’s Investment in New Trains
The Victorian State Government has announced a major overhaul aimed at addressing these concerns. This year, a fleet of newly constructed VLocity trains will be introduced to meet the rising demand for regional rail travel.
Fleet Expansion and Cost
A total of 23 new VLocity trains, with a combined cost of $601 million, will soon join the rail network. This expansion will increase the VLocity fleet to 141 trains. These state-of-the-art trains, capable of reaching speeds up to 166 km/h, are expected to enhance service efficiency and passenger comfort.
Retirement of Classic Fleet
The arrival of the new trains will facilitate the retirement of the aging Classic Fleet. These trains, which date back to the 1980s and were originally built in the 1950s, have long been due for replacement. The upgrade will ensure that more reliable and modern trains are available for regional travel.
Service Enhancements and Route Expansion
The new VLocity trains will primarily serve the Bacchus Marsh and Geelong routes, addressing both reliability and capacity challenges. However, the enhanced VLocity fleet will benefit the entire V/Line network, including routes to Albury, Ararat, Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Echuca, Geelong, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, and Traralgon.
Additional Services and Investment
In addition to the new trains, the government plans to introduce 200 additional V/Line train services on weekends. This initiative, costing $219 million, is part of a broader strategy to improve regional rail service and accommodate growing passenger demand.
These upgrades represent a significant investment in Victoria’s regional rail infrastructure, aiming to provide a more reliable and comfortable travel experience for passengers.