The State Government is delivering more consistent and reliable services on the Bairnsdale line – as VLocity trains are set to run on every service, kicking off last Sunday.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced last Thursday that the remaining two locomotive-hauled classic fleet services on the Bairnsdale line have now been retired, making way for new modern and efficient VLocity trains.
“We are investing in more modern and reliable VLocity trains to improve regional journeys and now passengers along the Bairnsdale Line can enjoy them on every service,” Ms Williams said.
The Labor Government invested $31 million to expand the stabling facility at Bairnsdale to house two three-carriage VLocity trains overnight, which has enabled this change.
A new timetable has also been introduced, with the first and last services now stopping in Trafalgar, Yarragon, Longwarry, Bunyip, Tynong and Nar Nar Goon – creating more public transport options for these communities.
Work is underway on the latest order to build 23 VLocity trains, with the first two new trains already hitting the tracks since August – supporting local jobs and the growing popularity of regional rail travel.
“We’re delivering a better train service for Gippsland – with modern and reliable VLocity trains running on all services, and cheaper fares so that passengers can get to where they need to go,” Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh said.
However, according to local MP, Tim Bull, residents aren’t happy about the change.
“From the feedback I have had the East Gippsland community does not welcome this,” Mr Bull said.
“They have advocated strongly for the retention of buffet services and been ignored by the Minister and they believe the VLocity carriages are far less comfortable for long haul journeys than the older carriages.
“The problem is the government has now ordered the carriages for future need and not had buffet facilities included, which makes it difficult to reverse without great cost.
“Their excuse that they will have vending machines at the station instead has not been at all well received by local train travellers.
“It’s another case of Labor telling us what is good for us in the bush without listening to locals on what they want.”
Since 2014, more than 800 new services have been added to the V/Line network – with almost 200 extra weekend services to be rolled out progressively for regional passengers.
Victorians continue to benefit from the regional fare cap, which has transformed the way people travel around the state, with 31 million trips taken and more than $80 million already saved by passengers.
With the regional fare cap, passengers can now travel between Bairnsdale and Melbourne for $10.60 – a significant saving for travellers who previously paid up to $39.40 for a one-way full fare journey.
