Commuters and V/Line staff celebrated the 130-year milestone of the Ballan Railway Station on Friday.
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Ballan Station first opened its doors and tracks on December 22 in 1886 and was located on a branch line as an extension to Ballarat and Melbourne via Geelong.
The line later linked to Bacchus Marsh Station, a development that would allow trains to travel directly from Melbourne to Ballarat.
More than 220 V/Line train services currently stop at the station each week. Last financial year it was used by more than 92,000 customers.
To celebrate, the Ballan Men’s Shed prepared a breakfast barbecue, while coffee, tea and hot chocolate was supplied by local business Crank Coffee.
Four-piece jazz band Hot Potatoes provided entertainment, while the Historical Society displayed mementos and information from the station’s opening.
“Ballan is an important part of our regional network and we’re thrilled to celebrate the station’s 130-year anniversary with the local community,” V/Line regional manager Peter Gibson said.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
