Ministerial Statement: ALL ABOARD: TRAIN SERVICES TO RETURN TO STAWELL

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http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/12282.html

ALL ABOARD: TRAIN SERVICES TO RETURN TO STAWELL
From the Minister for Public Transport
Thursday, 14 October 2010

Passenger train services will return to Stawell from next year and an entire carriage of The Overland will be available for Victorian passengers at V/Line fares as part of a three-weekly rail service to the town for the first time in 11 years.

Visiting Stawell, Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula said the town would become a stop on the Overland service which runs between Melbourne and Adelaide and the Brumby Labor Government would invest in a $710,000 upgrade of Stawell Railway Station as a result.

"This is an historic day and cause for celebration for the Stawell community which has been calling for train services for more than a decade," Mr Pakula said.

"Currently 12 seats are provided on each Overland service that can be purchased by Victorian passengers at V/Line fares and this will increase to 64 under the new arrangement between the Department of Transport, V/Line and Great Southern Rail.

"Under this agreement, passengers travelling on Overland services between Victorian destinations will be able to purchase a ticket through the V/Line reservation system, with fares equivalent to other sections of the V/Line network.

"The Overland service provides a terrific travel option to people in towns throughout western Victoria including Nhill, Horsham, Dimboola and now Stawell.  The Overland also services Geelong with a stop at North Shore Station.

"It provides three daytime services in each direction every week, as well as additional services during season peaks and for special events."

Member for Ripon Joe Helper said since passenger rail services had returned to many towns across regional Victoria, the Stawell community had pushed for a return of trains to their town.

"With this announcement, I'm pleased to say the Brumby Labor Government has taken action to deliver on this important community priority," he said.

"Stawell residents can now look forward to a terrific, affordable rail service, along with the retention of many bus and coach services available in the region.

"The return of the Overland, which carries many interstate and international visitors to Stawell, has the potential to deliver a major boost to tourism and the regional economy.

"Works on the station will begin before the end of the year with the station platform to be repaved, new lighting and passenger seating will be installed and the works will take into account the heritage character of the existing station building."

Tickets for travel on Overland services within Victoria are available from V/Line agents or by calling 136 196.  Passengers should note tickets are not available to buy on board the train.

Further information can be found at www.gsr.com.au or www.vline.com.au

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Town by town, little by little, rail is returning ...