The first six new regional carriages ordered by the Andrews Labor Government are now in service – and all of them on the Ballarat line.
The extra carriages will double the number of seats on four busy peak services, reducing crowding and creating a more comfortable ride for thousands of passengers.
The first three carriages entered service last night, and were added to the 7:39am from Wendouree to Southern Cross Station, and the 4:00pm from Southern Cross to Ballarat.
The second three carriage set starts service today and will add more than 220 seats to the 9:14am from Wendouree to Southern Cross, and the 4:54pm service from Southern Cross to Wendouree.
They are desperately needed after the former Liberal and National Government failed to order a single new regional carriage in their first two years in office – a failure that is still putting pressure on regional services.
The former Government also didn’t start a single major public transport project and ripped $120 million out of V/Line.
The Labor Government hasn’t wasted a moment fixing the huge problems they inherited. In two years it has added more than 340 extra regional services, ordered 48 new carriages and restored and increased funding to V/Line.
The $518 million upgrade to the Ballarat corridor which will duplicate the line to Melton, build new crossing loops, and create new train stabling to support more frequent, reliable services through Melbourne’s west and communities along the Ballarat line.
The Ballarat Line Upgrade will also build second platforms at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations, and the existing platforms at Rockbank Station will be extended so passengers can use each carriage to get on or off the train.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“These six extra carriages will add more than 220 seats to four of the busiest services on the regional network –reducing crowding and making the daily commute more comfortable.”
“The new carriages are the first of 48 we’ve ordered in just two years, and are part of our record investment in public transport to get people home safer and sooner every day.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“The new carriages will reduce pressure on these busy trains, and make the journey easier for thousands of passengers along the Ballarat line.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“After years of excuses by the former Liberal and National Government, we’re investing in the trains and tracks we need to give Ballarat passengers the services they deserve.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020