Regional rail commuters will finally experience a return to normality, with the state government announcing today that all train services across the V/Line network will be restored from June 26.
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Since January, the rail provider has been crippled by a wheel wear problem that resulted in a quarter of its VLocity fleet commissioned for urgent maintenance works.
Train services were subsequently replaced with coaches but have been progressively returned over the last four months.
V/Line’s latest interim timetable, in place since April 26, has seen two more weekday services reinstated as trains on the Ballarat line, with 72 out of 73 daily services running as trains.
Currently, 11 train services are being replaced as coaches across the V/Line network.
The new timetable, also set to come into effect from June 26, includes a much needed adjustment to prevent clashes between services from Ballarat and Geelong at the Deer Park west junction.
The adjustment was originally planned as part of the January 31 timetable, but deferred when wheel wear problems arose. It is expected to significantly improve punctuality on both lines.
The changes also include extra services for Bendigo and the start of Bendigo Metro, which will provide 10 extra weekday services to Epsom Station and an extra evening service to Eaglehawk.
“All train services will resume next month and the regional operator now has the funding it needs to deliver the services regional passengers deserve,” Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said.
