The Andrews Labor Government is delivering more reliable and comfortable journeys for Shepparton Line passengers with VLocity trains to start travelling to and from Shepparton for the first time this month.
From Sunday, 23 October, all services on the Shepparton Line will be modern VLocity trains, an improvement made possible by the Shepparton Line Upgrade and the Labor Government's ongoing investment in new trains for regional Victoria.
A new timetable taking effect the same day will include changes to arrival and departure times and additional stops at Heathcote Junction, Tallarook and Donnybrook.
A celebration will be held at Shepparton Station on Sunday, 23 October to mark the start of VLocity services, with a host of local suppliers getting involved to deliver a great day for the Shepparton community.
Platform extensions to accommodate longer VLocity trains have been completed at Nagambie, Murchison East and Mooroopna stations, as well as safety, accessibility and amenity upgrades for station users.
Another 14 level crossing upgrades on the line were completed while coaches replaced trains last month, while works progressed on the new stabling facility north of Shepparton to house VLocity trains.
The VLocity is the newest and fastest train in the V/Line fleet and has improved features including mobile signal boosters for better phone coverage and better accessibility for people with prams or mobility aids.
The Labor Government has invested $436 million for the Shepparton Line Upgrade, with Stage 1 already complete, delivering 10 extra weekly services along the line.
Work is progressing on Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, which will enable nine weekday return services and trains to travel faster on the line.
New timetables will be available from Friday 7 October at ptv.vic.gov.au and PTV's journey planner app.
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"With extra services and better stations already delivered, these trains are the next phase in our complete overhaul of the Shepparton Line - and there's more to come."
"Through the Shepparton Line Upgrade, and our investment in new VLocity trains, we're delivering better public transport for regional Victoria."
As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
"We promised Shepparton passengers more reliable journeys on modern VLocity trains and that's exactly what we're delivering."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp
"The VLocity is the newest train in the V/Line fleet and will give Shepparton Line passengers more comfortable journeys."
