The state government's rollout of new train carriages across the regional network has been met with complaints the new seats are thinner and less comfortable.
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Four of the 13 new VLocity trains feature a redesigned layout, with 14 extra seats in each.
As previously reported, that comes at the expense of an extra toilet in the carriage and space for bikes.
One daily Ballarat commuter, who did not wish to be named, said they were surprised by the new train on Monday morning.
"They had thinner seats, like you'd usually see on a Metro train," he said.
"They're narrower, people were leaning into the aisles so they weren't touching the person next to them.
"There's no lumbar support, they're just less comfortable."
Other people, commenting on social media, have complained about the lack of space for their bikes, which are also part of their daily commute.
A spokesperson for V/Line confirmed the seat design has been modified to accommodate the 14 extra seats and to make the aisles wider.
"Regional passengers are starting to see the first of our newest VLocity carriages on the Ballarat and Geelong lines," they said.
"Four of the new VLocity trains have 14 extra seats so more people can sit rather than stand during their journey."
The other nine three-carriage trains will have a different modified seating plan, which will include the second toilet and allocated bike spaces.
The new trains will also include signal boosters to improve mobile phone coverage, wider toilet doors for mobility aid access, hearing loop technology, and new floor markings and hand rails.
All of these upgrades are important to encourage people to continue using public transport, said Ballarat line advocate, commuter, and former Committee for Ballarat chairman Nick Beale.
"Having 14 extra seats is a good thing, as the patronage of users on all V/Line services, but in particular from Ballarat and Wendouree, has gone up considerably," he said.
"We do hope that the final seat design will be such that it is as comfortable a ride as it is today for those coming from a long distance, remembering there are people who come from a lot longer away than Ballarat in the system, so a comfortable ride is important."
The design of regional trains is constantly reviewed - according to the V/Line spokesperson, passenger feedback does help shape future decisions regarding train designs.
Anyone wishing to provide feedback on the seating is encouraged to visit the V/Line website, or phone 1800 800 007.
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