Passengers travelling on the Warrnambool Line will have more seats thanks to the Carroll Labor Government.
Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward today announced six-carriage VLocity trains will begin on the Warrnambool line from Friday 23 October for busy Friday and weekend services.
The introduction of six-carriage trains is made possible by the recent completion of the Warrnambool Stabling facility, which allows more trains to be stabled overnight and supports longer trains.
From 23 October, V/Line will operate six-carriage VLocity trains on the following Warrnambool Line services;
- Friday 5.09 pm Melbourne to Warrnambool
- Saturday 8.48 am Warrnambool to Melbourne
- Sunday 8.05 am Melbourne to Warrnambool
- Sunday 12.22 pm Warrnambool to Melbourne
- Sunday 1.10 pm Melbourne to Warrnambool
- Sunday 5.27 pm Warrnambool to Melbourne
The six-carriage trains provide more capacity for passengers during the busy weekend periods, with data identifying these services as the ones that will best meet the needs of users.
The increased capacity builds on the completion of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade which improved safety and reliability, delivered additional services, and allowed modern VLocity trains to travel on the line for the first time.
To minimise the safety risks at short platforms, V/Line will use controls including door banners and conductor monitoring to ensure it can safely operate six-carriage trains as work continues on more permanent solutions.
With half-priced travel on public transport until the end of the year, a trip anywhere along the Warrnambool Line still only costs $5.70.
Since the introduction of the regional fare cap, Warrnambool Line passengers are saving more than $70 on the former price of a return trip. Passengers should continue to book ahead before they travel to get a seat.
Jess Wilson's Liberal-One Nation Coalition have already promised to cut regional train services as part of their $40 billion cuts plan.
If they get the chance, they'll cut more services regional Victorians rely on.
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward
"We've delivered more services to our Warrnambool Line passengers and now we're giving them more seats at the busiest times with the introduction of six-carriage trains from Friday 23 October."
"We're continuing to invest in south west Victoria with more services, increased capacity and cheaper fares."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"We are making it easier to find a seat on busy services travelling to and from Warrnambool."
