The Andrews Labor Government is delivering better public transport connections and more travel choices in the Wimmera, with new coach services being added between Ararat, Horsham and Ouyen.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan was in Ararat to announce the additional coach services which will better connect towns in the Wimmera and improve connections with trains to Melbourne.
From 30 September 2018, two extra coach services will be added between Horsham and Ararat on weekdays, as well as a new service from Dimboola to Ararat, via Horsham. The Friday night coach from Ararat to Ouyen will be reinstated.
The Horsham to Ararat coach runs via Dadwells Bridge, Stawell and Great Western. The coach from Ararat to Dimboola follows the same route to Horsham then continues to Dimboola via Pimpinio.
These new services complement the newly-announced $130 million Freight-Passenger Rail Separation Project, which will also deliver benefits for Ararat passengers.
The Project will enable a fifth train service for Ararat by extending the stabling facilities at Ararat Station.
It will also benefit Ararat trains travelling through the Ballarat Station precinct, as it will untangle this section to create more paths for passenger and freight lines into the future.
The Freight-Passenger Rail Separation Project includes signalling upgrades, track duplication and replacing the Armstrong Street bridge in Ballarat. This will allow two tracks to be built under the new bridge, getting rid of the existing bottleneck and creating more space for trains to pass each other.
Passenger information and timetables for Horsham, Ararat and Ouyen services will be available from late August 2018 at V/Line stations and ptv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’ve heard from Wimmera locals that they want more public transport - these new services will give more options and better connections.”
“These extra coach services will get locals and tourists where they need to go, at the times they need to travel.”
“We’re dedicated to improving rail services throughout Victoria, which is why we’re delivering infrastructure upgrades to enable more frequent services for passengers.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“We know how important public transport is to people in Western Victoria and that’s why we’re getting on with delivering better and more frequent services.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020