All V/Line trains will be back on the tracks from 26 June, and the regional operator now has the funding it needs to deliver the huge increase in services the Andrews Labor Government has planned.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria welcomed the restoration of full services, which ends the disruption that has affected V/Line services since January.

Currently 11 V/Line train services across Victoria are being replaced by coaches, including the two services on the Gippsland line.

The former Liberal and National Government ripped $120 million out of V/Line and didn’t order a single regional carriage for two years.

Last month’s Victorian Budget 2016/17 provided $198 million to rebuild V/Line, $280 million for 27 new carriages and funds 170 extra services across regional Victoria.

Full timetables will be available in early June at vline.com.au and ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“It’s been a really tough few months for Gippsland travellers, but by the end of next month all services on the Gippsland line and right across the regional network will be back on the tracks.”

“Funding has also been restored to V/Line to deliver the services regional passengers deserve, and we’re investing more than $1 billion in better public transport across the board.

“This means more regional trains, new services and better connectivity, so Gippslanders and visitors to the region can spend less time in transit and more time where they need to be.”