Under the 2018-19 budget, the Victorian Government will invest AUD 1.9 billion (USD 1.4 billion) continue state’s public transport network projects. In addition, AUD 704 million (USD 529.7 million) will be provided for more efficient and reliable public transport in regional Victoria.
AUD 313 million (USD 235.5 million) will be provided for the second stage of Shepparton line upgrade (work is underway on the first stage of the project with AUD 43.5 million (USD 32.7 million) funded in the last budget), AUD 50 million (USD 37.6 million) will be allotted to complete detailed planning of an airport rail link that will unlock the west and deliver fast rail to Geelong.
Wyndham Vale and Seymour passengers will get more rail services, better connectivity and less crowding thanks to a AUD 10.8 million (USD 8 million) investment.
Track and signalling upgrades across the Maryborough, Ararat and Ballarat area will be delivered with AUD 130 million (USD 97.8 million) to improve the reliability of the regional rail network.
This funding complements the Ballarat line upgrade Stage 2 to provide additional track capacity for both passenger and rail freight services to manage the interface between the jointly funded Murray Basin Rail and Ballarat Line Upgrade projects, and enable the future expansion of regional passenger services to Maryborough and Ararat.
The budget includes AUD 172.9 million (USD 130 million) to build new train stabling and maintenance facilities on the regional network, and upgrade the Southern Cross Rail Yards to providing more room to house the 87 new carriages already ordered by the Government in previous budgets.
The Government will provide AUD 15.8 million (USD 11.9 million) to finalise design and procurement for a new, modern regional train to replace the ageing Classic Fleet, continuing the work currently underway.
High skilled jobs will be retained in Ballarat with AUD 103.5 million (USD 78 million) to purchase 30 additional X’Trapolis carriages for the metropolitan network.
This Budget also builds on previous investments of the Regional Rail Revival package, 87 VLocity carriages, safer country crossings and delivering the Murray Basin rail project.
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