Liberals commit to metro-style rail services in Geelong

GEELONG, Moriac and Colac will see the benefit of frequent commuter rail services under new and upgraded services to be delivered by a Victorian Liberal and Nationals Government.

Announced last week, Geelong Metro is based on the metropolitan rail service in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley and will have Werribee as its northern terminus.

It will be delivered by requisitioning existing Sprinter railcars for the Geelong commuter operations and increasing VLocity orders to offset for the use of Sprinters in Geelong.

Geelong Metro would be complete by 2026, and its features include:

Two extra services from Colac to Geelong, with six train services to Geelong each day and over time growing to eight

Reopening the rail platform at Moriac

A new rail station at Bell Post Hill and Bannockburn

A new siding and turn out track at Bannockburn to alleviate any main line interference, and

A comprehensive plan to work with local bus operators to ensure rail and bus timetabling is sequenced.

The plan is to tie in with the Liberals’ earlier pledge to introduce a daily $2 flat fare on public transport and half-price V/Line tickets.

Polwarth MP Richard Riordan said along with boosting transport in Geelong, the project would deliver big benefits to his electorate, particularly Colac, Birregurra, Winchelsea, Moriac and surrounding communities.

“This will deliver increase lifestyle opportunities for people who need to make the commute to Geelong or Melbourne that so many in our region depend on for work, health or education. This will also assist in bringing more people to the jobs and opportunities that currently exist in so many of Polwarth’s towns.

“This initiative opens up our region as well as providing opportunities for locals to get more frequent, reliable low-cost access to the state’s public transport network.”

Last week, the Liberals also pledged their government would relocate Geelong’s major bus interchange from Moorabool Street, but did not specify where it should go.

If they form government, the Liberals say they will immediately start consultation with the City of Greater Geelong and the local community to identify the best long-term option.

“You only have to look at this through the lens of retailers facing onto Moorabool Street whose shopfronts are blocked off to know that something needs to change,” Opposition Leader Matt Guy said.

“Our plans provide certainty for local businesses and commuters that a real solution to a growing problem in the heart of Geelong is on the way.”