In 1993 V/line ceased running trains past Ballarat cutting off towns such as Ararat, Stawell, and Horsham from the rail network. This video will investigate how and why trains should be returned to this region of Victoria.
Momentum is really starting to build on this again, and I suspect we’ll see some of service returned within the next 5-10 years. As you say, it’s by far the easiest passenger service to reinstate anywhere in the state.
Whatever the best long term option is, I think it would be great if they just started running an Ararat-Horsham shuttle sooner rather than later. Obviously some more SG VLocities is one option, but I actually think they should have grabbed the SG N sets displaced from Albury and used those, probably with a little refurbishment.
Might not be perfect, but could be implemented very quickly and would be miles better than the bus.
Could be done simply by using rolling stock and locomotives already available on the network. Add some drivers and you have a service. Run a 12 month trial for the service and see what numbers V/Line gets. Could use Ararat to change trains for Ballarat and other locations.
Jenny it could be done if you and your supporter could convince V/line managment and PTV to stop retiring the N sets and defer it during a rolling stock shortage until they get fit for purpose trains to take it’s place and the Velocities won’t cut it!
It breaking down more since they forced it on the longer routes!!!