Regional and outer-suburban commuters could benefit from an additional 550 weekly V/Line train services if the Labor government wins re-election, under a $420 million transport commitment aimed at easing overcrowding and improving regional connectivity.
Premier Ben Carroll is expected to announce a 24 per cent expansion of the regional train network, targeting regional and outer-suburban electorates where Labor faces growing pressure from the Coalition and One Nation.
The announcement comes amid ongoing transport challenges in Melbourne’s outer west and south-west, particularly in Melton and Wyndham Vale, which continue to rely on V/Line services despite Labor’s earlier promises to electrify the rail lines.
Under the proposed changes, Melton would receive an additional 162 weekly services from 2027, increasing frequency to one train every 20 minutes. Longer nine-carriage trains, previously announced by the government, are also scheduled to begin operating next year.
Wyndham Vale would receive a dedicated service, adding 249 weekly trips to help reduce overcrowding and improve passenger capacity.
Geelong commuters would benefit from more express services, cutting journey times by up to 10 minutes and doubling the number of express services. Two additional Sunday services would also operate to Geelong and Waurn Ponds.
Other regional rail improvements include:
- Seymour line: An additional 29 weekly services from 2028, benefiting communities including Wallan and Donnybrook.
- Bendigo line: An extra 101 weekly services from 2028, comprising 21 services to Bendigo and 80 to Kyneton. Most off-peak trains from Bendigo would also operate express.
- Warrnambool line: Eight additional weekend services from next year.
- Traralgon line: An additional Sunday service from 2028.
- Ballarat line: Most weekday off-peak services would operate express to Melbourne from nextyear,reducing journey times by up to 10 minutes.
The Coalition has previously pledged $1.7 billion to introduce hybrid trains on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines. However, the state government has questioned whether the proposal would be compatible with the existing rail network.
Following delays to its electrification plans, the government maintains that the proposed Sunshine Railway Station transport hub must be completed first to separate V/Line and Metro services.
The transport announcement also comes amid a broader political debate over public spending, with Labor questioning whether the Coalition’s proposed public service cuts under Jess Wilson would allow it to deliver on its promised budget surplus.
