Wednesday 23 May 2018

Gippsland V/Line passengers will have express and semi-express coaches to get them to their destination during planned disruptions this winter.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing today announced select express coaches will run to Parliament Station via the Eastern Freeway, providing significant travel time savings for passengers.

Coaches will replace trains for all or part of the journey on the Gippsland line between May 30 and June 17, as a major construction blitz removes the last four level crossings on the Caulfield-Dandenong corridor.

Trains will continue to operate between Traralgon and Pakenham, connecting with coaches between Pakenham and Melbourne via the Monash Freeway.

Express and semi-express coaches will be offered to passengers from Bairnsdale, Sale, Rosedale and Stratford, while stopping all stations coaches will also be provided.

The Andrews Labor Government will again offer express coach services between Warragul, Drouin and Parliament, with three services in the morning peak and four services in the evening peak.

The free Wi-Fi service on these express rail replacement coach services will continue during this time to deliver high speed, easily connected and reliable internet services for passengers.

Coaches will also replace trains on the Gippsland line for all or part of the journey all day on 26 and 27 May as well as some evening services on 20-23 May, 25 May, 29 May and 18-21 June.

Rail replacement coaches are expected to benefit from improved travel times following the opening of additional lanes on the Monash Freeway. The Labor Government will also provide a monthly newsletter on ongoing activity on the corridor.

V/Line passengers are urged to plan ahead and allow more time to complete their journey, with longer journey times of 60 minutes expected off peak and up to 90 minutes in the peak. For more information, and to plan your journey, visit vline.com.au or ptv.vic.gov.au and subscribe to V/Line Inform, to be notified by SMS or email.

 Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“We’re building the tracks, buying the trains and delivering the extra services needed to keep more and more people moving across our city and regions.”

“We know that these service disruptions are frustrating, but we have to get this work done so that we can give Gippslanders the reliable public transport network they need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We’re determined to improve the amenity and service for Gippsland passengers while disruptions from metropolitan works are occurring.”

“Along with additional express coaches, we are also providing more advance travel notice for Gippsland passengers through passenger bulletins and regular updates about changes on the network.”