The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a massive upgrade of the Bendigo to Echuca line to run more trains, more often.
The works are part of a $1.45 billion Regional Rail Revival package unveiled today, which will deliver major upgrades to every regional passenger line in the state and create more than 1,000 jobs.
$91 million from the Regional Rail Revival package will upgrade track and signalling between Bendigo and Echuca.
Track speed upgrades will enable trains on the Echuca line to run faster and more often, cutting travel times for passengers from Victoria’s north.
The upgrade will also allow more trains to run to Epsom and Eaglehawk, as required for the second stage of Bendigo Metro.
Last year the Labor Government added extra peak hour services for Bendigo and implemented Bendigo Metro Stage 1, adding 10 weekday services to Epsom Station, an extra evening service to Eaglehawk and more services to Kangaroo Flat during the week.
Bendigo Metro Stage 2 will extend more Bendigo services to Epsom, giving local passengers extra services and more choice.
The Labor Government has also delivered a bigger, better bus network and announced that late night coach services to Bendigo on the weekend as part of Night Network will be made permanent.
The full Regional Rail Revival package, including the $91 million upgrade for Bendigo and Echuca, will be funded from the receipt of Victoria’s $1.46 billion entitlement under the Asset Recycling Initiative.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Member for Bendigo Jacinta Allan
“This huge investment will upgrade track and signalling to run faster trains to Echuca and more services in and around Bendigo.”
“It’s the next step in the dedicated train system we’re building for Bendigo, and our revival of rail in Victoria’s north and across the state. We’re getting on with it.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This is the next step in our record investment in public transport, to get people in Bendigo and across Victoria home safer and sooner.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“Labor is the only party that listens, acts and invests when it comes to country rail, and this funding will make a real difference to travel times and reliability on the Echuca line.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020