While the Ballarat line has been the main recipient of the first of 48 train carriages rolled out by the state government, commuters on the service can expect to keep standing for some time yet.
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Of the 18 new carriages currently in service, Ballarat has been the main recipient, despite Geelong also experiencing major growth.
The remaining carriages will continue to be rolled out into 2018, with sets of three carriages (trains) hitting the tracks at about one every four to six weeks.
The efforts come after V/Line chief executive James Pinder said the capacity generated by the new carriages was being “absorbed very quickly”.
“As more new trains are introduced, they will continue to be added to the busiest services across the regional network,” V/Line communications manager Rob Curtain said.
In March the Ballarat line had eight peak hour services leaving from or returning to Wendouree station over 90 per cent capacity, while a further 12 services to and from Melton and Bacchus Marsh were at 100 per cent.
Committee for Ballarat chairman Janet Dore listed additional funding for additional carriages as a priority project ahead of the state government budget on May 2.
While 27 of the 48 carriages were funded from the 2016/17 budget, the unprecedented growth along both the Ballarat and Geelong lines means additional carriages are dealing with current overcrowding on peak hour services.
“These five (major V/Line rail) corridors are the key to keeping Melbourne liveable,” Ms Dore said.
