Thursday, September 19, 2024 VLocity trains, the modern and efficient train models developed by Bombardier for Victoria’s rail network, have now been fully implemented on all services between Bairnsdale and Melbourne. As of August 2023, the remaining two locomotive-hauled trains that previously served this route have been retired, making way for the new VLocity trains. The state government’s investment of $31 million to expand the stabling facilities at Bairnsdale has played a crucial role in enabling this shift, allowing two three-carriage VLocity trains to remain overnight for the next day’s services.
The move has been presented as a significant upgrade to the Bairnsdale line, one that offers more modern, reliable, and efficient services for passengers traveling to and from Melbourne. However, this change has stirred debate among the public and industry professionals, particularly with regard to the comfort of the trains and their ability to meet the needs of long-distance travelers. The introduction of the new trains, coupled with a new timetable and a regional fare cap, has sparked discussions about the broader impact these changes will have on the regional and national travel industry.
According to the Victorian Government, the switch to VLocity trains is a step forward in improving the region’s transportation infrastructure. The state invested heavily in stabling infrastructure to ensure that the modern trains can be accommodated, allowing them to run all Bairns.