The Victorian Government is building extra V/Line VLocity trains as part of a $601 million investment in the 2023/24 State Budget to increase the capacity of the regional rail network.
An additional 23 VLocity trains will be built in a local factory in Dandenong South and will aim to increase and improve the capacity of some of Victoria’s busiest regional lines.
VLocity trains can run at faster speeds (up to 130km/h) than classic fleet trains. Each three-car VLocity set boasts a range of new features including comfortable seating, built in USB chargers, extra luggage storing and accessibility improvements including six wheelchair spaces with nearby companion seats, an accessible toilet, wide doors and improved handrails.
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The new VLocity trains are gradually being rolled out to replace existing trains on the network, with nine-car train sets set to boost capacity by 50 per cent on the Melton Line. These models will also be rolled out on the Geelong and Bacchus Marsh lines. More than 100 VLocity trains are currently in service.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the new models would also provide a boost to the local economy.
“We promised to build new VLocity trains in Victoria, for Victorians, and that’s exactly what we’re doing – making it easier for passengers to travel across our state, as well as supporting hundreds of local jobs and strengthening our economy,” Andrews said.