Shepparton locals and visitors can look forward to better public transport sooner, as the Andrews Labor Government fast-tracks the works needed to run a fifth service to the region next year, ahead of the original timeframe of 2020.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today visited Shepparton station, where work on the $43.5 million Shepparton Line Upgrade announced in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 will soon commence, ahead of the original timeframe of 2020 for the new train services to run.
The project will upgrade the stabling at Shepparton Station to house the trains needed to enable a fifth daily return service to Shepparton -- giving passengers more choice on when they travel. The stabling upgrade will be delivered by V/Line.
The investment also includes extending a crossing loop to allow trains to pass one another, so services can recover more quickly from disruptions and to minimise conflict between passenger and freight trains. The final location of the crossing loop is currently being assessed and will be finalised in coming weeks.
Work will get underway shortly and locals will notice more activity near the rail line as site investigations are carried out to finalise the design and planning process.
The delivery of the Shepparton Line Upgrade will be overseen by the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority (MMRA) as part of the Regional Rail Revival program.
Fast tracking these works builds on the Labor Government’s recent announcement of 29 additional coach services between Seymour and Shepparton from mid-2018, to address gaps in the current timetable and spread services throughout the day in advance of the extra train services being provided next year.
Five extra coach services will run between Seymour and Shepparton each week day, as well as three extra services on Saturdays, and one extra service on Sundays.
The Labor Government has introduced nine new weekly train services for the Shepparton region.
More information about the program is available at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re fast-tracking this important upgrade to give locals and visitors of Victoria’s fifth-largest city the transport services they expect and deserve.”
“Local passengers have been calling for better train services and improved connections for Shepparton and we’re delivering exactly that, sooner.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
“This long-awaited investment will be welcomed by Shepparton locals and we’re looking forward to delivering the extra train services sooner than expected.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020