Ms Kosky said the V/Line 2006-07 Annual Report, which was tabled in Parliament today, showed regional train passengers were voting with their feet in support of significant Government investment in the regional network.

“The number of rail journeys made by passengers was up by 30 per cent on the previous year, with Ballarat and Bendigo line patronage increases exceeding the statewide average,” Ms Kosky said.

“The growth was driven largely by the new timetable and extra services, a 20 per cent cut in fares this March; newer, more comfortable trains operating on upgraded tracks to many locations; and a major boost in services at a time of rising petrol prices.”

The V/Line Annual Report shows the financial year’s final patronage figures as:
· Geelong line – 2.57 million passenger trips (up 27 per cent on the previous year);
· Bendigo line – 2.2 million passenger trips (up 49 per cent);
· Ballarat line – 1.88 million passenger trips (up 38 per cent);
· Seymour line – 1.15 million passenger trips (up 9 per cent); and
· Gippsland line – 1.05 million passenger trips (up 27 per cent).

Ms Kosky said there was also a significant boost in short and long distance train services, including the operation of:

· 56,636 short distance services in 2006-07, compared with 40,871 the year before (up 39 per cent); and
· 10,964 long distance services in 2006-07 (8,007 services the year before, which is a 37 per cent increase).

“The past few years have been a rebuilding phase for V/Line, and while the work to improve is ongoing, customers are starting to see the benefits of the investment as we enter a new era of rail in the country regions,” Ms Kosky said.

Other key achievements were:
· A seven per cent increase in revenue from fares (despite the fare cut) to $52.9 million; and
· 3.3 million tickets were sold in the financial year (up 31 per cent).

As part of V/Line’s commitment to minimising its impact on the environment, customers and stakeholders are encouraged to view the Annual Report online at www.vline.com.au/annualreport.

A small number of reports have been printed on recycled Australian-made paper, using waterless technology. These copies are for statutory purposes and stakeholders who require a permanent hard copy (requests may be made via the V/Line website).