Why does it seem they are in hurry to get rid of the older rolling stock when the test of time shows there is no available rolling stock to take their place in test of time met or passed the former standards the older train held?
Are the users really happy with the current standard which is less then what it was? Or they just tolerating it?
Regular Overcrowding, train service suddenly reduced train 9 car to 6, 6 cars suddenly become 3 cars on most lines due to intermittent train faults!
Whist on the Warrnambool stand school groups being impacted as the train on the Warrnambool line could not cater for the even if the arranged their reservations 100 day prior to their travel?
What a mess!
Reply to the feedback:
Thank you for your feedback regarding the changes to rolling stock on the Albury and Swan Hill services.
I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and frustration these changes have caused you, particularly the removal of buffet facilities, the seating and storage limitations of the newer VLocity trains, and the challenges passengers face when carrying luggage or travelling with mobility requirements.
I understand how important comfort and accessibility are on longer regional journeys, and I regret that your experience has not met expectations.
The introduction of new VLocity trains is part of a wider program to modernise and expand the regional fleet.These trains feature seating for 222 passengers, tray tables at most seats, two onboard toilets (one of which is accessible), a quiet carriage, mobile signal boosters and space for bicycles.
They are designed to improve reliability and accessibility and, as part of the VLocity Refresh Project, are being progressively upgraded with wider toilet doors, hearing loop technology, automatic announcements and additional handrails and floor markings.
However, I acknowledge your concern that the VLocity design was originally intended for shorter trips, and that its use on longer routes, such as Albury and Swan Hill, presents real challenges for customers.
Buffet services remain available on some of the newer standard-gauge VLocity trains operating on the Albury line, I wish to advise that new VLocity trains come as 3 car sets, these trains run as coupled together for a total of six carriages and only one buffet is utilised on the service.Buffet service operates in the reserved carriages first and then in the second car set for the remaining halfway in the journey. .
Unfortunately, buffet facilities are unavailable on Swan Hill services. This being said, I wish to advise that V/Line customers are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board.
Please know that your comments have been carefully noted and shared with both V/Line’s Customer Experience team and Transport Victoria for their review and information.Your perspective as a regular traveller is extremely valuable in shaping how we continue to deliver regional train services, and it highlights the importance of balancing modernisation with the unique needs of long-distance journeys.
Once again, I am very sorry for the inconvenience caused and for the disappointment these changes have brought to your travel experience. Thank you again for raising your concerns and for helping us to improve.Should you wish to further discuss these matters please contact the PTV customer service
Yours sincerely,
I wonder if this with this response received is indicating the Operator ie:V/Line’s hands are are tied?
Comments would be appreciated to help me understand….
‘Why does it seem they are in hurry to get rid of the older rolling stock when the test of time shows there is no available rolling stock to take their place in test of time met or passed the former standards the older train held?’
What does this mean?
From one observations when those VLocity to Echuca, Ararat, Bairnsdale etc. and Albury get terminated mid trip and doesn’t even make to it destination due “Train Faults” at Regular basis what does that tell you?
These issues was not so pronounced UNTIL these out of depth management decided force a mechanically designed short distance IMU rail car beyond it operational capability!
The older train are 40 years old for the loco and the some carraige are reaching 60 years old plus they were good in their time
But now since they experiment with VoLcitys do do long duations run like this and them being much newer than loco hauls they now operating like badly maintained aging N sets…
The VoLcity train did not outlast the olders train classic fleet when it was maintained regularly in preventive maintance…
Now they have scaled back maintance on the locos and carriages to double down on their bad decisons!
Mike will agree with you that they perfect for shorter duation runs on board, but NO Warrnambool, Ararat and Albury etc!!!
Need a different design and train fit for that purpose!!!
Seems very clear V/line want one sad train type and admit in the letter they have chosen outdated design when we all know one size does not fit all. NSW and Queensland know this.
The management at Vline pathetic.