State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the rail boost, which would see the Albury line double from six to 12 services a day, would benefit passengers in Seymour, Avenel, Violet Town, Benalla and communities across the north-east.
“This is a generational investment in the Albury line and a huge win for passengers across the communities I represent,” Ms Cleeland said.
“For too long, regional Victorians have been expected to put up with limited services, overcrowded trains and timetables that simply do not work for people trying to get to work, school, healthcare or appointments.”
Under the coalition’s plan, the Albury line would have six services in each direction every day.
It currently has six services in total across one day.
“Doubling services from six to 12 a day means more choice for people in Seymour, Avenel, Violet Town and Benalla,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It means more opportunities to travel when it suits you, more seats for passengers and better connections between our regional communities and Melbourne.
“This is about making regional rail work for regional Victorians.”
The plan also includes the introduction of new hybrid electric trains on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines, which the coalition says will free up 25 three-car VLocity sets to be redeployed across the regional network.
Five additional VLocity sets, providing 1100 seats overall, would be allocated to the Seymour and Albury lines.
Ms Cleeland said the investment would also help address the growing demand for public transport across north-east Victoria.
“Our communities are growing, and more people are relying on public transport to get to work, access education, attend medical appointments and stay connected with family and friends,” she said.
“We should be making it easier for regional Victorians to get around, not forcing them to plan their lives around inadequate train services.
“People across north-east Victoria deserve a rail service that reflects the communities we are today and the communities we are becoming.”
