The Andrews Labor Government has announced 30 new semi-express services each week to make the journey between Warrnambool and Melbourne quicker.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today announced that six off-peak Warrnambool services each weekday will no longer stop at Wyndham Vale and Tarneit – reducing crowding and improving journey times for local passengers.
The new semi-express services will be introduced on 27 August as part of a new V/Line timetable, which will also add 69 new services between Geelong and Melbourne, and more than 140 across regional Victoria.
The new express services build on the 12 extra Warrnambool line services added to the timetable earlier this year – the first new services on the Warrnambool line in over a decade – and puts further pressure on the Turnbull Government to finally fund regional rail in tonight’s Federal Budget.
Victorians are tired of not getting funding for important infrastructure like rail – we are making sure their voices are heard.
The Andrews Labor Government is doing its bit – investing billions in new regional trains, line upgrades and services, and recently announcing a $100 million Warrnambool line upgrade.
But to deliver the upgrade, the Turnbull Government needs to hand over the $1.45 billion it owes Victoria through the Asset Recycling Initiative.
The timings of coaches and buses that connect with trains will be adjusted to reflect the new timetable, which will be available in July from ptv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“These new-semi express services mean less stopping, more room and a quicker journey for locals.”
“It builds on the new services we delivered in January – the first in over a decade for Warrnambool – and the level crossing upgrades we’re delivering to boost safety and return services to timetable.”
“It’s time for Dan Tehan and the Turnbull Government to give us our money, so we can keep improving services to Warrnambool and across regional Victoria.”