V/Line has introduced additional weekend services for Echuca Railway Station passengers connecting to Bendigo. The new services have been released just prior to yet another track shutdown for weeks.
Four new weekend services have been added to the Echuca line as of February 1, 2026, offering more travel options between Melbourne and Echuca. These updates are part of a broader,,1000+ service boost across the V/Line network, though some weekend morning services may now require a connection at Bendigo.
Echuca passengers have not had reliable access to passenger rail services since Christmas with continually cancelled trains and excuses from V/ine about weather issues affecting services.
Just today (6th February 2026) the timetable is again disrupted with lower than average temperatures across the state for this time of year. Heat timetable introduced when forecast maximium temperate a mere 32 degrees. Hardly an extreme temperature.
as those newer train were made for semi polar and temperate local operating weather conditions overseas….
Could our local railway operating conditions are not compatible for them in the function of time?
Older train could handle this when regularly maintained on track and rollingstock!