The Andrews Labor Government will deliver more than 140 new regional train services in August, heaping further pressure on the Turnbull Government to give Victoria the money it’s owed in tonight’s Federal Budget.
Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan at Southern Cross Station today to announce a new timetable that will deliver 142 extra services every week across the V/Line network.
When the new services start on 27 August, the Labor Government will have added more than 500 new regional train services in two years.
The new timetable will add 69 services for Geelong – Victoria’s busiest regional rail corridor – including 30 new services every weekend – meaning trains at least every 40 minutes between 7:00am-7:00pm every day.
The next busiest V/Line corridors – Bendigo and Ballarat – will each get 18 extra weekly services, as will Gippsland where the Labor Government has announced a $435 million upgrade to add even more services in the future.
The Ararat line will get 10 extra weekday services and four additional trains will run between Melbourne and Shepparton on the weekend, building on the $43.5 million upgrade announced last week.
The announcement adds to mounting pressure Malcolm Turnbull and Federal Coalition MPs across Victoria to finally give Victoria the $1.46 billion it is owed under the Asset Recycling Initiative, which will deliver the Regional Rail Revival, upgrading every regional passenger line in Victoria.
Victorians are tired of being short changed by the Turnbull Government on national infrastructure funding, particularly regional Victorians, even though the Federal Infrastructure Minister, Darren Chester, is meant to represent the state’s east.
The Labor Government is doing its bit, building the Metro Tunnel, the West Gate Tunnel, removing level crossings and delivering new services across Victoria.
Last week’s Victorian Budget 2017/18 continued the Labor Government’s record investment in regional transport, including $311.1 million for 39 new regional carriages and $316.4 million for major V/Line maintenance.
But we can’t keep doing all the heavy lifting alone – it’s time for Malcolm Turnbull to give Victoria its fair share.
The new regional timetable will be available in July from ptv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“These extra services will reduce waiting, reduce crowding and get regional passengers home safer and sooner.”
“The time for talk is over – let’s work together to deliver better rail for regional Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’ve added more regional services than any Government in Victoria’s history, but we can’t keep doing it alone.”
“Today is D-Day for Malcolm Turnbull, Darren Chester and every Federal Coalition MP who purports to represent Victoria. Give us our money, so we can get on and build better regional rail for Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020