The Victorian Government is delivering more VLocity trains to support growing demand and increase reliability on the V/Line network.
VLocity train number 119 is the first train from the latest order and has started taking passengers.
This is the first of 23 new, locally made regional trains ordered as part of a $601 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 – which will help deliver on the state government’s $219 million investment of almost 200 additional weekend V/Line train services progressively in the coming years, meeting the increased popularity of regional rail travel in Victoria.
This order of VLocity trains is replacing the state’s longest serving Classic Fleet trains – boosting Victoria’s VLocity fleet to 141 trains once the rollout is complete.
The extra trains will deliver more reliable journeys on the Geelong and Bacchus Marsh corridors and will also help lift capacity on the Melton line by 50 per cent, with nine-car services to be introduced following the completion of the Melton Line Upgrade.
The new trains feature improved accessibility, with six spaces in each three-car set for wheelchair or mobility scooter users and space for up to six bicycles.
A new train will roll off Alstom’s Dandenong production line approximately once a month, with the project supporting around 500 local jobs.
The reliability of the new trains will be boosted upon the completion of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility Upgrade, which is increasing maintenance capacity and ensuring that as much of the VLocity fleet is available to deliver services.
The Victorian Government has invested more than $9 billion in rolling stock and supporting infrastructure since 2014, supporting around 10,000 local jobs directly and through the supply chain.
Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, said, “Whether it’s upgrading every regional rail line, building more VLocity trains or delivering more services – we’re building a better regional rail network for Victorians.
“More Victorians than ever are choosing regional rail travel thanks to our fare cap, and we’re responding to this increased popularity with new trains and extra services.”
Image: Kim Britten/shutterstock.com
