Tuesday, 21 November 2017

Passengers on the Gippsland Line can look forward to more investment to improve the reliability of train services after the Andrews Labor Government’s new rail contract with Metro Trains Melbourne comes into effect this week.

Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the new contract will prioritise the needs of regional passengers with better management of shared corridors thanks to tighter performance targets for delays and train management in the metropolitan network.

The Gippsland line will benefit from increased funding towards maintenance of the Pakenham corridor as part of a stronger contract with Metro Trains that puts passengers first.

The new contracts come into force 30 November 2017, and with a 37 per cent increase in funding towards maintenance works on the metropolitan network and tougher performance targets.

These improvements are expected to have flow on benefits to regional passengers that rely on the Gippsland line with a new signalling interface and communications link to better integrate Metro and V/Line signallers.

This will ensure regional services are closely managed by Metro when travelling through the metropolitan network to provide a clear pathway to their destination.

In addition to the benefits from the new contract, the Labor Government is getting on with upgrades to the Gippsland line under the $1.57 billion Regional Rail Revival working alongside the Commonwealth Government.

This work will duplicate sections of the line that are currently single track, paving the way for more services more often for passengers in the region.

Gippsland passengers impacted by delays of more than 60 minutes may be eligible for a refund, and are encouraged to visit vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007 for more information.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“Gippsland passengers deserve reliable and punctual services, and this new contract with Metro will provide better maintenance on the Pakenham line where regional and metropolitan services share the track.”

“We’re working to deliver major improvements to the Gippsland line as part of our $435 million Gippsland Line Upgrade which will deliver more trains more often, and a safer and more reliable journey as our region grows.”