Train plan aims for more services, less waiting

AN influx of new services will be added to the region’s train timetable as part of the Ballarat line upgrade project.

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan announced an extra 125 services will be delivered on the Ballarat line with 45 of those at peak times from 31 January.

“We’re delivering the benefits of the Ballarat line upgrade giving the Ballarat community more frequent trains than ever and improving access to jobs, healthcare and education for the growing communities along the line,” she said.

“The improvements will give passengers a train every 20 minutes during the peak and 40 minutes throughout the day.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison added, “We’re excited to be introducing 125 extra Ballarat line services to give passengers more options and help them practice better physical distancing.”

As part of the upgrade new signalling systems, updated crossing loops and duplications at key sections are near completion, with final works and testing set for January.

“The Ballarat line upgrade doesn’t just give it the ability to run many more services but because of the installation of passing loops, the improvements to track and signalling, it also means there will be a better reliability of services,” Ms Allan said.

“There’s going to be more work ahead as we deliver the Regional Revival Program upgrading every regional passenger line.”

Looking at the wider impact across Victoria, Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said they’ll be more services on many train routes.

“We’re introducing the biggest timetable change in a decade, delivering 450 extra train services to our busiest lines to give Victorians more options on their journeys and increase capacity on our trains,” he said.

During the final stages of the Ballarat line upgrade works, buses will replace trains from Monday, 28 December to Saturday, 30 January.

To view the new timetables from 8 January via ptv.vic.gov.au.