The Victorian Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams launched the expansion work for the Bairnsdale stabling facility for the VLocity trains. The project covers the construction of an expanded area designed for two three-carriage VLocity trains allowing the first train and last train to Bairnsdale to be a VLocity unit.
Currently the first and last daily train services to and from Bairnsdale operate with locomotive-hauled classic fleet trains. Replacing these services with modern VLocity trains will give passengers a more consistent and reliable service.
Major construction is also underway to provide Bairnsdale station, a terminus of the Gippsland line, with new cleaning facilities, as well as improved lighting, fencing, gates, CCTV and pathways.
“The works to upgrade Bairnsdale stabling facility mean we will soon be able to operate all services to and from Bairnsdale with modern, reliable VLocity trains. Our significant investment in the Gippsland line upgrade is future-proofing the line for further growth in communities along the network,” the minister said.
The Victorian Government is improving journeys for growing communities in the state’s east through the Gippsland line upgrade project, and this month marks the 20th anniversary of services returning to Bairnsdale line.
Work is also underway on the latest order of 23 VLocity trains, supporting the growing popularity of regional rail travel and safeguarding local jobs.
The state government’s level crossing upgrades between Sale and Bairnsdale have enabled more VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale, while regional fare cap is allowing passengers to travel between Bairnsdale and Melbourne for only AUD 10.60 (USD 7) – down from AUD 39.40 (USD 26) for a one-way full-fare journey before the fare cap.
“We are upgrading ageing public transport infrastructure across Gippsland so that passengers can experience safer and more reliable services, more often,” Tom McIntosh, the Member for Eastern Victoria said.
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