Latrobe Valley commuters will have longer trains and more seats on the Traralgon line as part of a state-wide plan from The Nationals and Liberals to boost capacity across the regional rail network.
Under the plan, five additional V’Locity sets, providing 1,100 seats overall, will be allocated to Traralgon and Bairnsdale to run longer trains with more seats in busier periods. All additional sets will be used multiple times every day.
This will boost capacity on the Traralgon line, helping to reduce crowding and keep Latrobe Valley communities better connected.
The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said the plan announced today by The Nationals and The Liberals would expand capacity on the train lines that residents relied on every day to get to work, school and to visit family.
“Anyone catching the train from Traralgon or Morwell knows what it’s like to stand the whole way because the carriage is packed. This plan delivers more seats and more room on the trains our community relies on every day,” Mr Cameron said.
“Latrobe Valley residents have been crying out for better train services and we have listened. Regional Victoria deserves its fair share and under a Liberals and Nationals government, we will direct 25 per cent of infrastructure spending to regional Victoria, up from the current 12 per cent.”
Introducing new hybrid electric trains on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines will free up 25 three car set V/Line trains to be deployed across the regional network, delivering more seats for regional passengers.
Leader of the Opposition, Jess Wilson, said: “This is about making sure all Victorians benefit from our plan to transform train services across Victoria.
“Our plan will deliver more capacity across regional Victoria, making it easier for people to get to work, access education and healthcare, and stay connected with family and friends.
“Whether you live in Melbourne or regional Victoria, you deserve a public transport system that keeps pace with your community and gets you where you need to go.
“That means more trains available for regional services, giving communities across Victoria better connections and more reliable public transport.”
