Green light for Virgin Trans international services

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Guest authors

Green light for Virgin Trans international services
Fri, 14/08/2026 – 13:41

14 August 2026

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has today announced that on 13 August it decided to pre-approve a new framework track access agreement between HS1 Limited (trading as London St. Pancras Highspeed) and VTE OPCO Limited (Virgin Trains). The agreement will allow Virgin Trains to operate up to 20 new daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040.

The agreement is a significant step forward in bringing competition to the market for international rail services, supporting economic growth and providing significant benefits for passengers travelling between London and continental Europe.

Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed may now enter into the agreement by 4 September 2026.

There are a number of steps before the new services will be able to run. Virgin Trains must also procure rolling stock, secure access to other rail networks, and obtain safety approvals from ORR and the relevant authorities in the EU. Virgin Trains plans to begin running services in 2030.

Martin Jones, deputy director, access & international, said:

“This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services, and we welcome the progress Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed have made. While there is still more work to do, we are supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services.”

Notes to editors

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways, and monitor of performance and efficiency for England’s strategic road network.
Decision letter
Previous announcements:
ORR’s decision follows its October 2025 approval of Virgin Trains’ application for access to Temple Mills International depot, which Virgin and other prospective operators saw as crucial in allowing them to operate international services. Since that decision, ORR has been supporting Virgin Trains and Eurostar in its work to enter into a contractual agreement for depot access.

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April 19, 2025
2

Welcome aboard your stopping all stations trip through the Metro Tunnel.

The Church Singles Tour: A Career Retrospective

Brian Evans
April 17, 2025
1

The Church remain one of the most innovative and enduring bands of their…or any…era.

Cancelling Suburban Rail Loop likely to cost billions

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 17, 2025
2

The SRL contracts also rely heavily on a “pain-share, gain-share” model in which the state government and builders split the overruns and savings on the project equally.

Teenagers break into Sydney train control room

gobstopper
April 15, 2025
4

Shocking footage has emerged of teenagers breaking into a control room and dangling off the side of a moving train.

Gold Coast spends 60 years rebuilding rail line it ripped up

gobstopper
April 15, 2025
3

He said the council was not involved any decision making for the heavy rail line.

Mordialloc Railway Station designs and level crossing removal

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 10, 2025
2

Jacinta Allan announced the final designs for a new Mordialloc train station.

Melbourne Airport has been voted the best airport in Australia and the Pacific

Helen Carrie
April 10, 2025
5

It’s also the fifth time in six years Melbourne has taken home the prize, with previous wins in 2020 and 2021.

Montana passenger rail service gains steam as Billings Depot poises for revival

gobstopper
April 10, 2025
1

It’s been nearly half a century since the last passenger train rolled through the historic Billings Depot.

Commuter Rail train collides with tractor-trailer at Canton railroad crossing

gobstopper
April 10, 2025
0

The MBTA deployed shuttle buses to transport passengers between the Stoughton and Canton Center stations after the crash.

Leaked figures question key promise for $15b Melbourne Metro Tunnel

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 10, 2025
2

Fewer trains are expected to run through a $15 billion tunnel in peak periods than promised, as a day-one timetable is firmed up.

Mineral Sands projects could inject much needed long term revenue into rail network

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 7, 2025
4

Mineral sand trains have used Victorian tracks previous with mining in the north west and processing near Hamilton.

They should have been retired by now. Here’s why we’re stuck with XPTs

Helen Carrie
April 7, 2025
3

Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said the state government did not have enough trains for extra services on the Sydney-Canberra route, blaming its Coalition predecessor for delays to the new fleets.

V/Line to rationalise Warrnambool Yard removing important infrastructure locking out users

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 5, 2025
5

Look how they have taken what was a popular and comfortable rail journey to Warrnambool to how being an uncomfortable and overcrowded service.

Premier digs in behind Labor’s signature Rail Loop

Helen Carrie
April 3, 2025
1

Jacinta Allan is obsessed with the Suburban Rail Loop. It’s pie in the sky.

After a Slow Start, High-Speed Rail Might Finally Arrive in America

gobstopper
April 3, 2025
0

True high-speed rail has not yet made it to the U.S., but that will change soon. Here are the projects currently being developed.

V/Line anounces the end of comfortable travel to Warrnambool

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 1, 2025
30

After decades servicing south-west communities, the Warrnambool Line has bid farewell to its locomotive-hauled trains.

Retired V/Line Trains To Get More Freight On Rail

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 1, 2025
3

V/Line has leased 10 N-Class trains to private freight operator, Southern Shorthaul Railroad, on a long-term agreement.

Riding on board The Overland and Adelaide Metro 28-30 March 2025

Snuffle Nose
April 1, 2025
6

I shuffled in Southern Cross Station to see the Overland Shunted in the station at Platform 2 and N12 sitting at 3 B attached to a locomotive.

Jacinta Allan says SRL will be built with or without Peter Dutton

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 1, 2025
3

Peter Dutton will stop Federal Funding of the SRL

Appointments made to oversee ARTC rail network

Bardy Bigglesworth
April 1, 2025
0

New appointments have been made to the boards of the Australian Rail Track Corporation and National Intermodal.

Why we need a train to Avalon Airport

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 28, 2025
11

How does one get there with little stress? You catch the train of course but that only goes as far as Avalon Railway Station and then you have the shocking transfer from the train to the bus.

‘Road bully’: Truck driver filmed swerving into ute on Ring Road

Brian Evans
March 27, 2025
1

Trucks licences are very easy to obtain now which Vicroads making it much easier to drive a dangerous heavy vehicle.

Very poor performance on Warrnambool line on 25th March

Snuffle Nose
March 27, 2025
2

Was going to have a last ride on the Warrnambool before the 31 March it all went downhill.

Labor plans for another 1.8 million immigrants for Australia

Helen Carrie
March 27, 2025
0

In another worrying and down right stupid idea, Labor are planning to bring another 1.8 million people into Australia (over 5 years) with many of […]

The McKay brothers are they an overrated pair of players?

Helen Carrie
March 27, 2025
4

There are two brothers playing in the AFL Ben and Harry McKay. Ben McKay plays for the Essendon Football Club and has not had a […]

Queensland government breaks election promise of rail line to Maroochydore

gobstopper
March 26, 2025
1

He argued trackless trams were cheaper, quicker to roll out, and offered a more flexible solution to moving large crowds of people through built-up areas.

SSR loaded grain to the Port of Melbourne through Footscray

Brian Evans
March 26, 2025
1

This live session captured S312-S311-N454 between West Footscray and the Bunbury Street Tunnel where the train was halted yet again.

Freight empire collapses owing $116m

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 25, 2025
0

Family-owned Austrans Container Services was placed into liquidation last July, but documents filed with the corporate regulator reveal Gregory O’Shea is being investigated.

Southern Cross Railway Station upgrade includes rubbish bins

Helen Carrie
March 23, 2025
1

Bins are finally arriving at Southern Cross Station this coming May.

Matt Carrick CEO of V/Line finally leaves with Network performance in spotlight

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 22, 2025
13

As we have always thought here it is not about getting the right person for the job it is about reward career public servants.

Infrastructure Australia questions viability of Victorian government’s suburban rail project

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 21, 2025
1

Infrastructure Australia’s business case evaluation report argues the $34.5 billion price tag put on SRL East in 2020 is outdated and lacks detail.

Detached V/Line train causes delays

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 21, 2025
5

This is yet another failure of V/Line with many of these incidents happening across the network with alarming regularity.

Warrnambool Line failures continue with defective Vlocity trains

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 21, 2025
5

The 10:20am departure from Melbourne to Warrnambool on 20th March 2025 was terminated at Winchelsea due to a defective Vlocity train.

Geelong and Warrnambool Rail Lines to close once again

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 21, 2025
2

Across the 14 days, works will also take place to upgrade the stabling yard near Warrnambool Station, to enable VLocity trains to be housed overnight.

Why Tom Elliott believes future airport rail link is a ‘dud’

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 21, 2025
1

The project now has support from the airport and both levels of government, with services tipped to start by 2033.

Rail News

Freight train derailment in Melbourne area cancels Overland

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 21, 2025
5

Journey Beyond Rail has advised customers the Overland train will not run and will be replaced by coaches between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Melbourne Airport Rail Link set to proceed under new agreement

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 20, 2025
1

Though today’s agreement stops short of stipulating a completion date – the project had originally been earmarked for a 2029 completion but has been delayed by at least four years.

Warrnambool 4-5th March 2025 to see the progress those stabling yard in Warrnambool

Snuffle Nose
March 17, 2025
2

I had dinner on board as the service was fairly crowded in the evening toward Geelong and Waurn Ponds on Tuesday night and most the bulk of people were in 3 reservation cars.

Where does Victoria sit in the national debt stakes?

Helen Carrie
March 16, 2025
0

Uncomfortable with headlines that constantly bash Victoria’s state debt.

Metro Trains carriage damaged as battery fire rages onboard

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 16, 2025
0

A metro trains melbourne service between Boxhill and Camberwell caught fire this week due tio a e-bike battery errupting in flame onboard the carriage.

Centrex phosphate mine enters voluntary administration citing rail costs

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 13, 2025
2

Phosphate was supposed to be the outback’s next big economic opportunity, but one mining company says the cost of rail freight has brought its project to the end of the line.

Federal Labor commits $1 billion to connect Sydney’s south-west with Western Sydney Airport

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 13, 2025
1

The funding would not go towards constructing a rail line but will instead be spent on securing the land and planning required to construct a new line.

Spencer Street Railway Station – a walk down memory lane

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 13, 2025
2

March 2019 marked 15 years since a former Melbourne institution, the Spencer Street Station building, closed on Friday 12 March 2004

Riding and observing train movement on the Warrnambool line

Snuffle Nose
March 10, 2025
11

I did numerous trips on the daytime Warrnambool route in this period.

QantasLink planes crashes through runway lights during take-off

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 9, 2025
1

Authorities have launched an investigation into the serious runway excursion.

Myki meltdown: Millions wasted as company abandons tech upgrade

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 9, 2025
5

This is firmly on the shoulders of Ben Carroll who as minister approved the failed procurement process and the choice of supplier despite the department not in favour of the winning bid.

New ghost shift scam claims at Metro Tunnel spark major probe

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 7, 2025
1

The Big Build was rocked by the allegations, detailed by whistleblowers, which included construction firms being billed for shifts that workers did not fill or never completed.

Elon Musk suggests the U.S. should privatize the Postal Service and Amtrak

Helen Carrie
March 6, 2025
2

During a remote appearance at a technology conference in San Francisco, Musk told attendees the U.S. should privatize “as much as possible.”

Transport response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 5, 2025
1

Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential major flooding are expected from Taree to Tweed Heads.

Queensland Rail to shutdown Brisbane rail network

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 5, 2025
3

The network will reopen as soon as it is safe.

Running taps, trashed stalls: Devonport toilets hit by ‘appalling’ vandalism

Helen Carrie
March 4, 2025
2

A public toilet block in Devonport has been left in a ‘disgusting state’ by vandals, with images of the mess going viral on social media.

Victoria’s draft 30-year infrastructure strategy 2025-2055

Brian Evans
March 4, 2025
4

The draft 30-year strategy has been prepared by our team of economists, land use planners, sector experts and social researchers. It uses the latest available data and new modelling.

Railway emergency at Inverleigh, Victoria

Bardy Bigglesworth
March 3, 2025
1

Details of the incident are still patchy but it is believed the train involved in the incident could be the SCT 7922V service between Horsham and Melbourne.

Chinese vessel suspected of damaging an undersea cable between Taiwan and Kinmen Island

Helen Carrie
February 27, 2025
0

The crew, which is all Chinese, is being detained and taken to Taiwan.

Prime Minister announces $2 billion for Sunshine station, boost to Melton rail

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 27, 2025
1

The federal government will allocate $2 billion in funding to create a new rail hub at Sunshine, with new platforms and tracks which would play a key role in the proposed Melbourne Airport rail link.

Future Victoria: ‘Game-changing’ plan to transform Avalon into Luton of Melbourne

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 25, 2025
2

Airport bosses are looking for global inspiration to bring thousands more passengers and jobs to one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.

Geelong workers quitting their jobs over a lack of public transport to Avalon Airport precinct

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 23, 2025
6

Jarrod Stagg lives 13 kilometres from work — but his commute usually takes more than an hour.

What is the air quality like at Southern Cross Railway Station

Brian Evans
February 20, 2025
10

In response to these findings, the station’s operator, Civic Nexus, has implemented ongoing air quality monitoring and is collaborating with various stakeholders

Rail Union wants to shutdown Southern Cross Railway Station

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 20, 2025
10

After all, what self respecting and competent city runs diesel trains to their suburbs?

North East Link works shutdown until further notice

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 20, 2025
4

It is a disaster for Melbourne and the state of Victoria.

New Metro Tunnel technology to be ripped out in latest myki mess

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 19, 2025
6

This would be caused by the delays to the new Myki system a project that was never going to be completed on time or on budget.

ANL and Aurizon partner on Landbridging through Darwin

gobstopper
February 18, 2025
1

Every ANL sailing into Darwin since November 2024 has included landbridging containers for the southern states.

Sun 16/2/25 on the rails: from rolling stock shortages and odd train movements

Snuffle Nose
February 18, 2025
2

I when to ride the 07:40 Swan Hill loco haul for the day when due to rolling stock shortage not train fault as stated on V/line app it was 3×1 Car VLocity!

Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant new confinement building hit by missile

Helen Carrie
February 15, 2025
1

The New Safe Confinement (NSC or New Shelter) is a structure put in place in 2016 to confine the remains of the number 4 reactor unit at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant,

Jeff Kennett on Melbourne underground rail: 2012 vs 2025

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 13, 2025
2

He privatised the state of Victoria that now we all regret.

NSW Health workers talk about killing Israeli patients

Helen Carrie
February 12, 2025
10

Terminating the Jews? Not a good look from NSW Health.

Warrnambool Line 2025 progress of the new working timetable

Snuffle Nose
February 12, 2025
4

I was riding the 19:15 Warrnambool on the 6th Feb 2025 on the newer timetable as VLocitys now are now operating on the daytime service time slots.

V/Line train and truck collide at Kilmany in Gippsland

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 11, 2025
5

Police say the truck was towing an excavator when it and the train collided at 10:10am on Tuesday.

Why the European Union is failing

Helen Carrie
February 11, 2025
0

EU regulators think it is too dangerous to simply break a bottle across the bow of a new ship.

VLine shunting loco Y174 runs a Ballarat-bound Redan pilot in 1989

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 10, 2025
1

Today’s historic photo of the day: VLine shunting loco Y174 runs a Ballarat-bound Redan pilot near the Cuthberts Road level crossing between Redan and Linton […]

Shelbourne Bushfire 1969 – First Hand Account of the death of the branch line

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 10, 2025
0

Most of us know little or nothing of the massive fires that reigned down on the Walmer area in 1969, the fire taking with it large portions of the Maldon – Shelbourne Line.

Queensland’s 50c public transport fares hit six-month mark, with patronage up nearly 20pc

Helen Carrie
February 10, 2025
0

It’s proven very popular with public transport users, to the surprise of absolutely no-one.

The oligarchs are making off like bandits under Trump says Nick McKim

Helen Carrie
February 7, 2025
0

Climate will pay the price.

The X-Files Season 12 (2025) MULDER AND SCULLY ARE BACK!!!

Helen Carrie
February 7, 2025
0

A global internet viral phenomenon and a dangerous conspiracy threaten humanity’s future, forcing them to confront their darkest fears.

Victoria clocks deadliest January road toll in more than 15 years

Helen Carrie
February 2, 2025
1

More than 34 lives were lost on Victorian roads in January, sparking fears of the deadly trend continuing farther into 2025.

The Legacy of Ben Carroll’s time at Vicroads massive trucks on our streets

Bardy Bigglesworth
February 1, 2025
9

The roads are a lawless place under the Jacinta Allan and Ben Carroll.

American Airlines Crash: Audio Captures ATC Conversation With Black Hawk Pilot

Helen Carrie
January 31, 2025
2

Audio reveals the conversation between the control tower at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA).

Melbourne’s west shows folly of Suburban Rail Loop

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 30, 2025
2

Infrastructure-starved residents in Melbourne’s rapidly growing west will be the biggest casualties of Labor’s folly.

Image released after alleged sex act in front of girls on train

Helen Carrie
January 30, 2025
1

Police are appealing for help after a man approached two girls on a Sydney train and allegedly performed a sex act.

First tap-and-go public transport trials in Victoria labelled ‘gimmick’ by critics

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 28, 2025
4

As part of the deal, it must introduce tap-and-go payments — but already it has fallen behind schedule, with one of the key members of the consortium, Convergint, pulling out due to problems.

Australia Day – A few facts for the uneducated disruptors

Brian Evans
January 28, 2025
9

The 26th was chosen as Australia Day for a very different and important reason.

Exchange telephonist reminisces two decades of connecting calls

Helen Carrie
January 26, 2025
1

Helen Hastwell fondly remembers the days she worked as a “Statue? Girl” connecting calls in regional South Australia to bring people closer together. “We’d put […]

Largest Australian flag to be flown at Sydney mosque for Australia Day

Helen Carrie
January 26, 2025
0

A Sydney mosque is celebrating the national holiday with an impressive feat – surpassing even that of Parliament House.

WA government flags plans to reverse privatisation of freight rail network

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 26, 2025
4

The freight rail network was sold off by the Richard Court government in 2000 under a 49-year lease, and is currently being operated by Arc Infrastructure.

Victorian premier affirms commitment to Suburban Rail Loop

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 26, 2025
1

Questioned about the status of funding decisions for the two Victorian mega-projects, federal treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government considered them as separate.

Jacqui Felgate reacts to new bombshell report on the Airport Rail Link and SRL

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 24, 2025
0

“This is the conversation that we have been having, and that everyone else has been having for the last 12 months,” she said.

New data has proven that Melburnians want the Airport Rail Link way more than the Metro Tunnel

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 24, 2025
1

There’s plenty of new train lines and stations coming to Melbourne – but they’re not the one we want the most

Feds offer more cash for Melb Airport Rail to take flight

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 24, 2025
3

The bombshell move will put pressure on the Allan government’s signature $34.5bn SRL.

Popular Victorian tourism site confirms plans not to celebrate Australia Day

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 24, 2025
3

3AW Mornings was sent communication from the popular tourism site, which asks people to instead “reflect on the values of inclusivity” rather than mark the national holiday on January 26.

Melbourne named one of the world’s best cities

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 17, 2025
3

Melbourne has been named by Time Out magazine as the fourth-best city on earth this year.

Why it’s time to make public transport FREE for major Melbourne events

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 16, 2025
2

Shane McInnes says it’s time for a complete re-think on public transport costs at major Melbourne events.

Grain season on track

Guest authors
January 16, 2025
1

Group executive coal and bulk Patrick O’Donnell said Pacific National has a track record of delivering what matters for its customers, with rail providing the most efficient mode of transport to move grain.

Sampling the Warrnambool 3×1 Vlocity after Swan Hill train service reduced Vlocity train and bus

Snuffle Nose
January 14, 2025
2

The vending machines at Warrnambool were nearly empty and cold drink machine next station office was out of order.

Nearly half of public wants new Interislander ferries to be rail-enabled

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 13, 2025
0

Horizon Research has found 48 percent of people preferred the new ferries to be ‘rail enabled’ – capable of taking roll on, roll off rail carriages.

Interstate travellers take to the train as air fares between Melbourne and Sydney soar

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 11, 2025
6

Seats on 11-hour Sydney-Melbourne service regularly sold out over holiday period, as one-way flights to Tullamarine average almost $500

Track point failure at Sunshine and riding on the 19:12 Warrnambool down

Snuffle Nose
January 9, 2025
2

It was very crowded people coming from work and from Australian Open etc. All train movement were halted Wendouree ,Wyndham Vale etc was impacted and coach transfers and Ararat Service was delayed.

Warrnambool train service is ‘a shambles’ so what’s the solution?

Bardy Bigglesworth
January 7, 2025
18

The Local State Member for Warrnambool defended what has been a disastrous change to the rolling stock on the line stating their would not be a loss of seats, that turned out to be a blatant fib.

Recent happenings on the V/Line system Vlocity and N sets why is this happening?

Snuffle Nose
December 31, 2024
8

As result in time the Vlocity will be no more reliable then a badly maintained older train known as the classic fleet the management of v/line.

Horrific video shows suspect watching woman burn to death on train after he allegedly set her on fire

Helen Carrie
December 24, 2024
1

Police are hunting for a man who allegedly lit a sleeping train passenger on fire then sat and watched her burn to death in horrifying video.

2 killed, 3 injured when freight train derails in small West Texas city after collision

Brian Evans
December 22, 2024
2

Two Union Pacific employees were killed and three people were injured when a freight train collided with a tractor-trailer and derailed.

Hastings Railway Station burns down

Bardy Bigglesworth
December 21, 2024
8

What replaces it will remain to be seen

Sampling the 19:12 Warrnambool Train

Snuffle Nose
December 20, 2024
0

I can’t imagine the hassle and stress endured of the people all lining up wanting buy food and drinks from those vending machines and juggling their luggages.

In fight against trucks, there’s a battle to control trains

Bardy Bigglesworth
December 20, 2024
5

Only about 6 per cent of containers move in and out of the Port of Melbourne by rail, a figure which has fallen by half since 2011.

Christmas warning looms for Sydney commuters after rail union’s ‘history-making’ vote for industrial action

gobstopper
December 19, 2024
0

Aussies in one state are being warned to brace for a “catastrophe” this Christmas after hundreds of rail workers voted to strike.

Regional towns set to boom with Victoria’s rail revival

Brian Evans
December 14, 2024
2

Under the $4 billion boost, every regional passenger train line has been upgraded to make services more frequent and reliable.

Sampling the Warrnambool Vlocity ex 13:10 up to Melbourne on Wed 11 Dec 2024

Snuffle Nose
December 13, 2024
0

I was sampling the new working time table and after nice comfortable ride on 17:06 which was tabled as loco haul on VN19 I hoped off and met up with the 3 car Velocity.

707 Operations Inc Weekend tour 6-8 December 2024

Snuffle Nose
December 12, 2024
0

visiting and riding the Vintage Railmotors of Daylsford Tourist Railway.

How To Return Trains To Horsham

Bardy Bigglesworth
December 9, 2024
2

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.

V/Line upgrading Warrnambool line, I think not!

Bardy Bigglesworth
December 9, 2024
7

V/Line are short on substance and large in window dressing.

Lidia Thorpe continues to divide this great nation

Helen Carrie
December 9, 2024
2

They are not her family and they don’t care about her one bit.

Experts break down the benefits and costs of Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop project

Bardy Bigglesworth
December 9, 2024
0

The government is not backing down, and contracts are signed.

Train overcrowding shows infrastructure shortfalls, V/Line commuters say

Brian Evans
December 5, 2024
9

On the Warrnambool line, these trains have been only three-carriages long due to the station platforms not being long enough for six-carriage services.

Heavy haulage roads in regional WA labelled ‘atrocious’ amid calls for better maintenance

Brian Evans
December 5, 2024
1

All across Australia we are seeing the outcome of poor transport policy with road being the preferred mode of transport and the pollution and the major on-costs associated with it.

A Warrnambool 13:10 Service was impacted by yet another train fault on 2-12-2024

Snuffle Nose
December 3, 2024
0

Shouldn’t they keep those older train for substitutes set to cover these newer trains to cover the newer train in a event they fail?

First passenger trips onboard new intercity trains locked in as $4b fleet green-lit

gobstopper
November 30, 2024
2

The first passengers will depart Newcastle for Sydney onboard one of the state’s new $4-billion intercity train fleet.

707 Operations Inc. Member’s special to Ballarat a Day Tour

Snuffle Nose
November 28, 2024
0

On Saturday I was riding the 707 Operations Members train, this historical Volunteer non profit organisation.

Maybe a MSM Journalist should investigate why V/line management failed to manage these events

Snuffle Nose
November 28, 2024
1

I am was riding around the system recently and note a few sets were reduced from 5 cars to 4 cars for the older N sets.

Labor has ignored Melbourne’s fastest growing communities for a decade

Bardy Bigglesworth
November 26, 2024
7

The North East Link will cost more than the SRL East project.

Interesting scenes on Warrnambool run 13:08 on 20th November 2024

Snuffle Nose
November 25, 2024
17

Was roused from a deep sleep by a phone conversation next from one the two guys that the one seat next to his work mate closer to aisle of the carriage.

Bendigo Rail Line a shambles under V/Line Management

Bardy Bigglesworth
November 23, 2024
5

Where is the Minister for Public Transport when you need her?

Minns Govt Tightens Penalties for Rail Obstructions

gobstopper
November 22, 2024
1

Strengthening the penalty aims to deter extremely dangerous conduct that puts train driver, rail worker and passenger safety at risk.

US government pushes to break up Google to fix search monopoly

Brian Evans
November 22, 2024
0

Being forced to sell Chrome and Android would be among the worst possible outcomes for Google.

Sydneysiders to avoid huge transport disruptions over weekend

gobstopper
November 21, 2024
0

Major industrial action which threatened to shut down Sydney’s rail network over the weekend has been called off after the state government and rail union successfully negotiated an impasse.

Metro Tunnel fires back at ‘bad planning’ accusations from opposition

gobstopper
November 21, 2024
1

Metro Tunnel Project Director Ben Ryan said the $13.4 billion project was built in line with other underground train tunnels globally.

Trains unable to use Metro Tunnel in labor’s latest stuff up

Bardy Bigglesworth
November 21, 2024
7

The Department also confirmed that Melbourne’s newest suburban rolling stock, the Xtrapolis 2.0 – which are currently under construction – will also be unable to use the new tunnel.

Swan Hill line and more information on Sunday 17/11/24

Snuffle Nose
November 21, 2024
9

All I can say is what a dog’s breakfast for all those involved.

10:13 Warrnambool Velocity N sets and events on the rail system

Snuffle Nose
November 15, 2024
9

I am curious to know if this is so called seemly deliberate act cutting of maintenance funds for older rolling stock maintenance is a stealth tactic.

Petition to prevent the introduction of substandard Vlocity trains on the Warrnambool Line

Bardy Bigglesworth
November 9, 2024
22

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly.

Observations on the Warrnambool Line on 13:08 service on 7th November 2024

Snuffle Nose
November 9, 2024
4

One thing some can’t grasp is the reasoning why the management is so hasty getting rid of N set in middle of rolling stock shortage.

Intermodal terminal owner teams up with interstate and regional rail freight operator

Guest authors
November 8, 2024
3

TC is delighted to have entered into an agreement with highly respected and experienced rail freight operator SSR for the provision of interstate, regional and port shuttle haulage services

Cost of no 3G now clear with airports and transport systems affected

Bardy Bigglesworth
November 8, 2024
1

The shutting down of 3G services across Australia will leave many without viable cellular coverage and carriers are aware. Gone are signal connections on long […]

Riding the Loco haul 10:13 Warrnambool before the change of the type train in use on 31 Nov 2024

Snuffle Nose
November 2, 2024
3

Suck and See happens in most situations I understand but when things doesn’t go to plan it can be rather expensive to rectify!

Potholes continue to cause problems in regional Victoria

Bardy Bigglesworth
November 1, 2024
2

Roma Britnell joined 3AW Drive to talk about the skyrocketing pothole problem in Regional Victoria.

The union buster and the unionist – an unlikely friendship

Helen Carrie
October 30, 2024
4

Albanese puts over that he is some kind of working-class hero.

A busy Sunday Morning and 07:40 Swan Hill was reduced from a 5 car loco haul to a 3 x1 car Velocities DMU!

Snuffle Nose
October 30, 2024
15

I will say it was terribly cramped on board and passengers who are taller and broader in stature may have problems with tightly spaced seating areas.

Metro Trains lunacy continues with lack of services on game day

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 28, 2024
0

As a result there were crush scenes at Jolimont Railway Station.

Australia’s fibre backbone race picks up speed

Brian Evans
October 28, 2024
0

Digital data is created every time someone takes a photo on their mobile phone, sends an email or saves a document to the cloud.

The Management of V/line

Snuffle Nose
October 24, 2024
23

Let’s take a closer look at who these people are and their level of experience in relation to their very important role.

Speeding trucks imperil safety around Footscray

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 24, 2024
0

Yarraville residents are demanding speed and red light cameras be installed at a pedestrian crossing where they claim speeding truck drivers are putting lives at risk.

What the British really think of Lidia Thorpe and her antics

Helen Carrie
October 23, 2024
1

I think this is the truth telling Australian’s are really looking for.

Warrnambool – V/Line to trash your long distance rail service

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 22, 2024
17

From Friday 1 November, communities in the south-west will have access to more modern, reliable and accessible VLocity trains running on the Warrnambool Line for […]

The stench of corruption in the Victorian Labor Govt has reached a new level

Helen Carrie
October 20, 2024
4

This is such a miscarriage of morals and poor judgement.

Barnaby Joyce is right about Anthony Albanese

Helen Carrie
October 20, 2024
1

We have created a nation where the state can order you to be locked up in your flat and we accept it.

Housing plan profoundly supports Suburban Rail Loop development

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 20, 2024
5

Changing the demographic landscape of Melbourne.

Victorian Opposition considers reviving East West Link project

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 18, 2024
0

They never learn and will not get back into government again.

Julie Inman Grant should resign immediately over failed X litigation

Helen Carrie
October 18, 2024
1

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has admitted she got it wrong.

Dan Andrews appointed chair of youth mental health service

Helen Carrie
October 18, 2024
2

This man has no shame to even accept this job he is an unmitigated disaster for this state both for mental health and fiscally.

Heatherton resident beats up SRL works engages in misinformation

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 15, 2024
6

Residents of a southeast Melbourne suburb are up in arms after being told of significant disruption for a major government project just days before works begin.

ARTC ignores community and despite protests destroys historic Euroa Goods Shed

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 15, 2024
8

Thanks to everybody who got behind this #campaign to save our 1873 shed.

Vlocity trains are not the answer for Regional Victoria

Snuffle Nose
October 14, 2024
14

Seems some Victorian’s are waking up to V/Lines poor management of rolling stock across the network.

Meta’s $2 Billion Mother Of All Submarine Cables For AI Will Forever Change India

Brian Evans
October 7, 2024
0

With a billion users on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, India is already Meta’s largest market in terms of users surpassing the US.

Opposition leader to try cancel Suburban Rail Loop if elected

Bardy Bigglesworth
October 2, 2024
1

Opposition leader John Pesutto has pledged to try cancel the Suburban Rail Loop project if his government is elected in 2026.

Level Crossing Removal Programme misses the point of why we are doing this

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 30, 2024
2

Why has the Victorian ALP sold this multi-billion dollar programme of work as a must do for rail services when it primary outcome is the better flowing traffic after the level crossing has been removed?

Regional trains in NSW are old, slow and half-empty – but I still enjoy the ride

gobstopper
September 30, 2024
0

The ageing fleet of Xplorer trains are running late half the time and can’t get up to speed on single tracks, but the 10-hour journey still has much to recommend it.

Discussions underway to build SA’s next generation rail fleet with battery electric trains

gobstopper
September 30, 2024
2

The future of South Australia’s rail network has been the topic of discussions between some of the world’s biggest rail companies at InnoTrans 2024.

Preserving cane train history before Australian rail buffs run out of puff

gobstopper
September 27, 2024
0

Railway enthusiast Brad Peadon is convinced time is running out to preserve remnants from the glory years of Australia’s cane trains.

Metro Tunnel faces ANOTHER massive cost blowout

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 27, 2024
7

Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Danny Pearson, announced a cost blowout of $837 million today, with the project now expected to cost $15 billion, $4 billion more than the original cost.

MP says capacity won’t be reduced on trains with 50 per cent less seats

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 20, 2024
12

A roll-out of more weekend services will mean overall capacity won’t be reduced when the region’s VLocity trains operate with half as many seats, Warrnambool-based […]

Onboard the R707 day tour to Maldon on 14th September 2024

Snuffle Nose
September 17, 2024
7

A rare occasion behind R 707 and T413 and using the same train to ride on the Maldon Branch Line toward Maldon from Castlemaine and pulled by J Class Oil Burning Locomotive to Maldon

Melbourne has been named the most congested city in Australia

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 13, 2024
6

Melbourne has been named Australia’s most congested city with Victorians spending an estimated 92 hours a year stuck in traffic according to data released by Novated Lease.

V/Line reduces seating capacity on Warrnambool line with Vlocity services

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 13, 2024
33

V/Line just cannot run a rail service that is fit for longer distance passengers and routes.

Full steam ahead for rail trail with no business case

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 9, 2024
7

Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards seems hell bent on pushing through a rail trail removing a key rail line between two large regional cities in Victoria.

Second western freight hub shelved in six months

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 6, 2024
4

The Victorian government has defended the state’s logistics capacity after a freight giant scrapped plans for a new rail terminal.

The cost of the SRL will be huge, not building it will cost us more

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 5, 2024
2

The argument that we are saddling future generations with debt doesn’t wash.

Workers evacuated after fire in Metro Tunnel near Town Hall

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 5, 2024
0

The fire believed to have been small in size created a substantial amount of smoke and has been extingushed.

The changing face of the former Spencer St Railway Station

Snuffle Nose
September 2, 2024
5

Spencer St Station was renamed Southern Cross Station after it was redesigned.

Resumption of passenger rail services between Ballarat and Geelong long overdue

Bardy Bigglesworth
September 1, 2024
9

For reasons unknown the government and V/Line have refused to return services for the travelling public despite requests from the Ballarat and Geelong regional councils.

Introduce a Trial Shuttle Passenger Train Service between Maryborough and Mildura

gobstopper
September 1, 2024
2

More than 75000 residents live in the Sunraysia and in communities along the Mildura rail line and they have not had a passenger train service since it was axed under the Kennett government

Bairnsdale line train services just became a whole lot worse

Bardy Bigglesworth
August 31, 2024
17

In continuing to take the network back to the 1950’s a new time for the Bairnsdale Line starting September 15th 2024 will remove the final locomotive hauled services from the line.

Katie Hall MP does not like to be questioned on her press releases and performance

Brian Evans
August 30, 2024
8

Katie Hall MP the ALP Member for Footscray recently placed a press release on her page but also shared it on social media namely Facebook and Instagram.

Poor and outdated transport policy is adding to air quality issues at Southern Cross

Brian Evans
August 30, 2024
12

We need urgent electrification of Geelong, Ballarat and a plan for Bendigo. Don’t be fooled the government is well aware of this.

Riding the upgraded Warrnambool Line on 29th August 2024

Snuffle Nose
August 29, 2024
5

Line closed at 14th June for upgrades to 25th of August on the Warrnambool line and I decided to ride it to observe for myself the riding quality of the train.

A trip to Waurn Ponds with new rail works at South Geelong

Brian Evans
August 28, 2024
8

Resumption of trains on the new line upgrades, a trip from Melbourne to Waurn Ponds was in order.

Does Eureka Stadium in Ballarat need a railway station?

Bardy Bigglesworth
August 26, 2024
7

Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium is in desperate need of a railway station and underpass connecting the ground to the rail network.

The significantly flawed Westgate Tunnel Project a blight on Melbourne

Bardy Bigglesworth
August 25, 2024
12

Billions of dollars and millions of hours of labour to make the city worse.

Is a political U-turn on the cards for the Suburban Rail Loop?

Bardy Bigglesworth
August 21, 2024
3

Concerns have reached political fever pitch over the $34.5bn political albatross strangling the Allan government.

Passengers review Cranbourne Railway Station and Cranbourne Line (warning)

gobstopper
August 14, 2024
4

Then you get on the train 7.40am and there is vomit all through a carriage.

Reopening of the Warrnambool Line with DMU testing to commence

Snuffle Nose
August 13, 2024
11

Understand testing will commence this week for the newer Velocities DMU rail cars 3×2 layout.

Victoria’s freight task to reach 900 million tonnes per annum in 2051

Bardy Bigglesworth
August 8, 2024
6

Over the next 20 years, the freight task in the state of Victoria is expected to experience significant growth.

Why does Vicroads permit road trains to use suburban streets in Melbourne?

Brian Evans
July 31, 2024
26

How could any government be so poor at rail freight that almost every rail freight project is over budget or not delivered at all.

Time to reduce Australia’s reliance on Road Freight and reduce emissions

Brian Evans
July 22, 2024
4

A properly run series of national passenger trains is exactly what Australia has been seeking and will do a lot for the tourism industry

Continuously welded rail on the Victorian Railway System

Snuffle Nose
July 13, 2024
2

Trying understand the pros and cons of Continuous Weld Track Joins Technology use in the Vic Regional Railway System

A walk around Princes Park the home of the Carlton Football Club

Brian Evans
July 11, 2024
6

Princess Park even hosted the 1945 Grand Final to a packed crowd. Sadly the last AFL game to be played this ground was against Melbourne in I think 2005.

The Darebin Council deception continues in Northcote

Guest authors
June 12, 2024
5

At least we have seen a pause over the wanton damage to our streets.

How Darebin Council failed the environment and Northcote

Guest authors
June 3, 2024
4

Tree canopies keep neighbourhoods cool in summer, provide shade, create habitat for wildlife, and help support cleaner air and waterways.

Darebin Council removes 600 years of trees from Clarke Street Northcote

Guest authors
May 23, 2024
3

This inner city area needs more canopy trees not less and no consultation with residents has been undertaken. Simply a disgrace.

Exploring the rail freight opportunity in Australia

gobstopper
April 28, 2024
2

Prological’s Peter Jones explains in this MHD op-ed the benefits of rail freight and how adopting aspects of the European model can help us decrease our reliance […]

Only 2% of freight between Melbourne and Sydney goes by rail

gobstopper
February 16, 2024
5

Exclusive: rail use dwindles to minuscule levels amid over-reliance on heavy and polluting trucks, industry warns

Human Resources

Union Pacific President Beth Whited Celebrates 37 Years with the Railroad and Announces Transition to Company Advisor

Guest authors
May 9, 2025
0

Union Pacific Railroad President Beth Whited will transition from her role as the railroad’s first female president to become a strategic advisor effective July 1, 2025.

financial

Union Pacific Corporation Declares Second Quarter 2025 Dividend

Guest authors
May 9, 2025
0

The Board of Directors of Union Pacific Corporation has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.34 per share on the company’s common stock, payable June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record May 30, 2025.

Heritage and Steam

Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 Will Make Two Whistle-Stops in Colorado During Limited 2025 Excursion

Guest authors
May 28, 2025
0

Union Pacific Railroad announced today its legendary steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, will make two whistle-stops in Greeley, Colorado, this summer as part of a limited summer excursion.

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