Commuters and train travelers in Eastern Victoria Region will benefit from the Andrews Labor Government investment of $257 million in new regional rail carriages and infrastructure that will significantly boost capacity across the regional network and create nearly 200 jobs.

Harriet Shing MP welcomed Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement today that next week’s State Budget will include funding for 21 new VLocity carriages to carry an extra 1,500 passengers V/Line passengers every day.

The $257 million investment includes a new maintenance and stabling yard in Waurn Ponds, creating more than 100 jobs during construction and about 30 ongoing jobs once completed.

Construction of the 21 VLocity carriages is expected to commence in mid-2016 with the first carriages to be in service by late 2017. Construction of all 21 new carriages will be complete by the end 2018.

The new carriages form part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Rolling Stock Strategy, which will set out a long term plan for delivery of Melbourne’s trains and trams.

Comments attributable to Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $250 million in new regional carriages to improve services and create jobs.”

“The new carriages will carry an extra 1,500 people, boosting services in Eastern Victoria and across the regional network”