V/Line has a new chief executive officer, with experienced hand James Pinder announced as the successor to interim chief Gary Liddle on Friday.
Mr Pinder has more than 32 years’ experience in the rail industry, serving as Metro Trains Melbourne rolling stock general manager and UK-based Southern Railway fleet manager.
Mr Pinder’s appointment comes on the back of a turbulent time for the service provider, which has struggled to cope with the demands of the Regional Rail Link since its inception in June last year.
An addition 170 services will be added to regional lines next year, while works will begin on a $518 million upgrade to the Ballarat line, starting with a 17-kilometre stretch of duplicated track between Melton and Deer Park west.
More than 48 additional carriages will also be added to Victoria’s regional lines under an ongoing roll out which could take up to four years.
Mr Pinder will take over on November 28.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
