Community
7 November, 2024
VLocity arrives on the Warrnambool Line
THE arrival of modern public transport in the south west was celebrated over the weekend with the first VLocity train officially launched on the Warrnambool line.
The 10.13am service last Friday travelling from Southern Cross to Warrnambool was the first official VLocity passenger service to hit the tracks, drawing onlookers to platforms across the region wanting to catch a glimpse of the new modern train.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora greeted the first train to arrive, saying its delivery was an example of the Labor Government’s commitment to better public transport services for Victorians.
“We’re delivering a better transport service for communities in south west Victoria, with new trains, more services and cheaper fares to get them where they need to go,” she said.
The weekday services are the first to be delivered in the progressive rollout of VLocity trains on the line.
From last Sunday, three return services on weekends and weekdays on the Warrnambool line will run as VLocity trains.
A fourth weekend service will also be introduced at the beginning of December and a fifth weekend service will be added next year, providing more travel options for passengers in the region.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said the delivery was a significant milestone for public transport in the south west.
“This is a landmark day for Warrnambool Line passengers, with more modern, reliable and accessible VLocity trains travelling along the Warrnambool Line for the first time,” she said.
VLocity trains have improved features for passengers, including being more accessible than the classic fleet trains, with accessible bathrooms and dedicated spaces for passengers with mobility aids.
The additional services are part of the almost 200 extra weekend services funded in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, which are being progressively rolled out across the regional network.
The introduction of VLocity trains follows the completion of major works on the Warrnambool Line Upgrade, which upgraded more than 60 crossings, delivered a new signalling system and installed a new crossing loop at Boorcan with 2.2km of new track.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Danny Pearson said the delivery of new trains was due to the culmination of extensive works which had improved the line.
“The Warrnambool Line Upgrade has provided significant improvements along the line and has allowed the introduction of VLocity trains to the south west, delivering smoother and more reliable journeys,” he said.
To learn more about the new V/Line timetable, visit ptv.vic.gov.au, vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007.
Read More: local