V/Line chief executive James Pinder said while there is still work to be done, the Ballarat Line Upgrade due to be finished in early 2020 should add to the efficiency of the line.

Mr Pinder shared the information while in Ballarat speaking about Thursday's Rail, Trams and Bus Union strike that has again forced commuters onto buses.

But he said Ballarat commuters should expect more timely trips in coming months upon the completion of the $518 million project.

"We are part way through the Ballarat line upgrade," he said.

"We've completed the first couple of phases, there is still some work going on. That work will be completed throughout the next months and into next year."

A Regional Rail Revival spokesperson said the works will be finalised before the end of 2019 and much of it was already in operation.

"Major construction on the half-a-billion-dollar Ballarat Line Upgrade will be completed by the end of this month," they said.

"Ballarat trains are already using the new 18km of duplicated track between Deer Park West and Melton, which will boost reliability for services along the entire line by allowing trains to pass each other in this section and helping services recover more quickly from delays."

"We're working around the clock to complete the upgrade of Wendouree Station, including a new second platform, additional track and accessible pedestrian overpass."

Today's strike and coach replacement services cause by the union action comes after trains were offline to Ballarat for 23 days across November and early December.

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