Thursday, 20 September 2018

Recognising the patience of Gippsland locals as the Andrews Labor Government gets on with delivering the upgrades Victorians need, free travel will be provided for the next disruption blitz in December.

Work is continuing to overhaul rail infrastructure along the Cranbourne/Pakenham line as part of ongoing preparations for the introduction of a new fleet of High Capacity Metro Trains, which will be able to carry 20 per cent more passengers than any train currently running on the network. 

From 1-23 December, buses will replace trains along sections of the line. Coaches will also replace Gippsland trains for the entire journey to Southern Cross Station during these times. 

Recognising the ongoing impact of disruption, passengers on the disrupted sections Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland lines will get free travel for their journey. This free travel will apply during the major construction blitz-taking place from 1-23 December. 

Passengers on these corridors have already experienced more than 100 days of disrupted travel this year. 

Whilst this construction blitz occurs in December, V/Line will take the opportunity to carry out maintenance on the line which will include:

·         Installation of track access stairs between Garfield and Bunyip

·         Fencing replacement at Warragul

·         Culvert replacement at Moe, near the Maryvale exchange and between Traralgon and Rosedale

·         Track replacement and asphalting pathway in Traralgon yard

·         Avon River Bridge maintenance

·         Mudhole removal between Stratford and Bairnsdale

This is in addition to the $530 million Gippsland Line Upgrade that will deliver improved train services and create hundreds of jobs in the region.

These works are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s more than $40 billion investment in transport infrastructure which is transforming our rail and road networks.

Public Transport Victoria will provide more information regarding free travel in October.

Quotes attributable to Member for Easter Victoria Harriet Shing

As work continues on the metropolitan network to make way for bigger trains and more frequent and reliable services, we recognise the big impact of numerous disruptions on Gippslanders who rely on our rail network to get around.”

“In recognising the impact that these works and upgrades have had on rail users, we are offering free travel for passengers during this construction blitz.”

“As the works occur, V/Line will also be carrying out important maintenance on the line to ensure it can operate smoothly and safely once upgrades are complete.”