Community
8 November, 2024
First VLocity train rolls into Warrnambool
THE first VLocity train rolled into Warrnambool last week.
The 10.13am service from Southern Cross to Warrnambool was the first VLocity passenger service to hit the tracks on Friday, helping reduce the risk of train faults and possible disruptions to passengers.
The weekday services are the first to be delivered in the progressive roll out of VLocity trains on the line - and starting from Sunday, December 1 three return services on weekends and weekdays will run as VLocity trains.
A fourth weekend service will also be introduced at the start of next month, and a fifth weekend service will be added next year providing more travel options for passengers in the region.
VLocity trains have accessible bathrooms and dedicated spaces for passengers with mobility aids.
“This is an exciting day for Warrnambool line passengers,” member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said.
“We’re delivering a better transport service for communities in south west Victoria with new trains, more services and cheaper fares to get them where they need to go.”
Among the passengers on board Friday’s afternoon service was Glen Iris couple David and Jenny Bennett.
“We actually didn’t realise this was the first VLocity train on the Warrnambool line,” Mrs Bennett said.
“That’s very exciting; we had a lovely trip from Melbourne and are looking forward to spending the weekend in Warrnambool.
“This is our first trip here - we’ve driven through several times but never actually stopped. We will head home on the Sunday train.”
Colac’s Helene Bell was also on board on Friday and said while she believed the extra services may be of benefit to some commuters she was concerned about the lack of catering facilities on board.
“People travelling from Melbourne really need to have access to food and drink, likewise those from the Portland area who may come down to Warrnambool to catch the train to Melbourne. On-board catering really needs to be added.”
