Passengers in Regional Victoria can look forward to more investment to improve train services after the Andrews Labor Government’s new rail contract with Metro Trains Melbourne comes into effect at the end of this month.
The new contract will ensure regional passengers get a fairer deal with better management of shared tracks thanks to tighter performance targets for delays and train management in the metropolitan network.
Regional lines sharing the metropolitan network will benefit from more funding for maintenance of the network as part of a stronger contract with Metro Trains that puts passengers first.
The new contracts come into force 30 November, with a 37 per cent increase in funding towards maintenance on the metropolitan network and tougher performance targets.
These improvements will have flow on benefits to passengers that rely on regional services, with a new signalling interface and communications link to better integrate Metro and V/Line signallers.
This will ensure regional trains are closely managed by Metro when travelling through the metropolitan network to provide a more reliable pathway to their destination.
In addition to the benefits from the new contract, the Labor Government is getting on with upgrades across the state under the $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
This work will deliver vital upgrades to every regional line, delivering more services, vital infrastructure upgrades and hundreds of new jobs across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“All passengers deserve reliable and punctual services – no matter where they live.”
“The new contract with Metro will deliver better maintenance in areas where regional and metropolitan services share the track.”
“These new contracts will benefit all Victorians – delivering better train services to get people home safer and sooner.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020