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Started by ozbob, June 03, 2011, 07:26:30 AM

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#360


https://twitter.com/OperationalInc1/status/1078139328759394306
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Melbourne Age --> Fast regional rail is the key to managing population growth

QuoteVictoria's regional rail network deserves a rebuild. As our metropolis heaves under the strain of population pressure and all it entails, European-style fast rail should be part of the answer.

Sure, it has been promised for years with unfulfilled commitments succeeding only in delivering disappointment all round.

But that doesn't mean it should not be undertaken now. It's affordable and achievable in the medium term. And it will improve liveability across our community while increasing the productive capacity of our economy.

Reducing commute times for regional and rural passengers is as important as cutting down the number of mode changes that often make such travel so cumbersome. For many people living outside Melbourne, the benefits of prosperity and opportunity seem remote, when nearly all of the major activities seem to happen around the capital.

Generally, we all know the score. Victoria's population continues to surge, growing at around 137,000 last year with over 90 per cent of people choosing to locate in metropolitan Melbourne.

That translated into a growth rate of 2.7 per cent last year, the highest in Australia. Compare that with New South Wales, which grew by 1.6 per cent.

Victorian government figures show that metropolitan areas such as Wyndham and Casey are growing the fastest, while regions are growing at much slower rates.

Overwhelmingly, Victoria's productive output originates from within the wider metropolitan area, pointing to a significant imbalance with regional Victoria.

The key is how we manage population growth, bearing in mind that it presents challenges and benefits alike.

Population increases have propped up Victoria's economic output. Gross state product would be lower without it and has meant that we compare reasonably well when measured against other states. One important caveat, however, is that when growth is measured on a per capita basis we fall in the rankings.

In other words, we have scope to increase our state's productive capacity. It's here that new and improved infrastructure as well as population policy have such important roles to play. Obviously, there are several infrastructure projects that are underway or imminent and which will have a direct bearing on this, assuming they are managed well.

The last state election was a contrast in how to manage this growth. It saw several competing infrastructure commitments by both major parties, including suburban rail upgrades as well as regional public transport announcements.

Among the most prominent of them were two competing promises, each with profound implications for the state.

The government unveiled its 90-kilometre suburban loop project to orbitally connect Cheltenham in the south-east of Melbourne to Werribee in the west of Melbourne. At an estimated cost of $50 billion, it would take until around 2050 to complete.

The Coalition, of which I was a member, announced a rebuild of Victoria's regional rail network to bring fast rail to the regions and rural communities. At an estimated cost of $19 billion, it would be completed by around 2030.

Following its success at the election, it's perfectly understandable that the government will wish to proceed to a business case for the suburban loop. It has announced a commitment of $300 million towards this, which it wants to supplement possibly with federal money. It took it to an election and that needs, obviously, to be acknowledged.

The proposal may yet be a sound one, but a robust business case should tell us one way or the other.

What we do know is that it will require an enormous financial commitment over a very long time and may have a minimal impact on helping the state manage population trends once operational.

Who knows what Melbourne and its outer suburban areas will look like in 32 years, or even 20 years for that matter? Is $50 billion even close to what it will ultimately cost, given its completion is so far into the future?

The reason regional fast rail throughout Victoria has great appeal is that we know our major regional cities will continue to be centres of gravity across the state, among other things, supporting important satellite townships. There is an undeniable logic to a proposal that bolsters the regions while taking substantial pressure off metropolitan Melbourne. Sure, it can't be delivered immediately, but its staging profile would allow for early benefits to be realised within a few years.

Even if the two projects cost the same to build over the same period, there is a persuasive argument for constructing regional fast rail first.

Now, while the government is early into its second term, it is going to proceed with its own projects. But I do hope it takes a genuine look at the regional fast rail project and adopts it, or a version of it. It is a good idea and a prudent investment in public transport infrastructure.

It's true that the government might point to a number of regional rail upgrades over recent years, but none of those would constitute fast rail throughout regional Victoria. Its announcements prior to the election about possible fast rail to Geelong and Ballarat would be steps in the right direction if delivered, but no substitute for the benefits to the state from a comprehensive portfolio of fast-rail investments that brings the regions together.

It makes sense. Further, it would be interesting to know whether the business case for the suburban loop could be affected in any way by assumptions about the existence of regional fast rail and any impacts it might have on population trends and patronage.

Granted, the government has every right to proceed with what it campaigned on, but a meritorious idea doesn't have to be dismissed just because it came from an opponent. I hope they look at it and see the great opportunities it presents.

John Pesutto is a former Victorian shadow treasurer.
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https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-train-drivers-to-increase-regional-reliability/

New Train Drivers To Increase Regional Reliability

Minister for Public Transport
21 May 2019

V/Line will soon have more drivers than ever before thanks to a 20 per cent increase in drivers by the end of next year, helping deliver more reliable services across the entire regional network.

As part of an intense period of recruitment and training, around 30 fully qualified drivers have come on board across the network in the past year, and more than 120 trainees are currently completing an intensive driver training course thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

At the end of next year, there will be more than 500 fully qualified drivers across the V/Line network, helping improve reliability, reduce cancellations and prepare the network for future growth.

Each trainee driver must complete several stages of training before they are qualified to drive V/Line trains, including class room work, on-the-job practical training and practice in V/Line's state-of-the art driving simulators.

Several trainees are currently undertaking on-the-job training alongside a qualified instructor on Seymour, Shepparton and Albury services as part of the final phase of their course. Trainees rotate through each region to become familiar with the track across the network.

The safety of motorists and train passengers in Victoria's North East has also recently been boosted, with the Labor Government upgrading level crossings at Avenel and Barnawartha.

Works to install new boom gates, bells and flashing lights at the Ewings Road level crossing at Avenel and the High Street level crossing at Barnawartha were carried out by V/Line between March and April, helping prevent serious collisions between motorists and trains on the Albury rail line.

Seymour and Shepparton line passengers will also benefit from a multimillion-dollar track maintenance investment delivered by the Labor Government this year, with more than 55,000 life-expired sleepers on the two tracks between Donnybrook and Seymour to be replaced in 2019.

The $7.2 million first stage which recently began involves replacing sleepers on the Seymour-bound track until 26 June. A similar amount will be invested in replacing timber sleepers as part of the second stage on the Melbourne-bound track from 9 July to 19 December.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

"We're providing a massive boost to driver numbers by the end of next year, which will mean more reliable services, less cancellations, and more local jobs."

"As our regional cities continue to grow – we're investing in the people and infrastructure to help keep our regional network moving and get you where you need to go safely and quickly."

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

"It's great to see a fresh crop of new drivers coming in that will not only help improve reliability in the short term, but also support the network for years to come."

"We started work on the $7.2 million first stage of the Seymour sleeper replacement program recently, which is another example of our commitment to building a safe and reliable regional rail network."
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#364


https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1132558835686576128
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#365


https://twitter.com/aussiewongm/status/1141845043432443904
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It's snowing !

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https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/next-order-placed-for-our-newest-vlocity-trains/

Next Order Placed For Our Newest VLocity Trains

Minister for Public Transport

3 September 2019

The Andrews Labor Government is getting on and delivering its promise to build new VLocity trains – with the latest batch ordered to meet growing demand for regional rail services.

Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne today visited Bombardier in Dandenong, who will build the next six VLocity trains, supporting 100 direct jobs and hundreds more throughout the supply chain.

The new trains are part of the $340 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 – to purchase up to 18 new three-carriage trains.

The new VLocity trains will include the latest technology including accessibility improvements and mobile phone signal boosting technology.

The Labor Government has already delivered a 40 per cent increase in regional rail services, with V/Line now running more than 2,000 services every week.

Bombardier is expected to begin building the new trains next year, before they are delivered to the network in 2021.

As well as building new modern trains, the Labor Government is investing $50 million to refurbish 75 trains in the existing VLocity regional train fleet – including new seat coverings and padding, and other minor repairs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne

"We said we'd deliver new VLocity trains for regional Victoria and that's exactly what we're doing."

"We're improving services for passengers and supporting hundreds of Victorian jobs as we continue to build new trains and refurbish our existing fleet."

Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams

"Bombardier are a world leader in manufacturing – this new order will support 100 direct jobs and hundreds more throughout the supply chain."
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Gold Coast Bulletin --> 200-plus Geelong trains run more than six minutes late in August 2019

QuoteMORE than 200 trains on the Geelong line ran more than six minutes late in August, V/Line data reveals.

While the regional rail ­operator almost hit its punctuality target of 92 per cent on the Geelong line last month, 241 services of the 2792 did not reach their destinations on time. Across August 91.4 per cent of trains on the Geelong line were on time or no more than six minutes late.

That means the operator has now missed its target in for four consecutive months ­between May and August.

The figure is an improvement from August last year where 89.5 per cent of trains were on time.

V/Line chairman Jeroen Weimar said: "It's encouraging to see this improvement following the ongoing infrastructure upgrades that continue to be carried out across the regional train network."

A V/Line spokesman said patronage on the Geelong line has increased by more than 45 per cent during the past four years.

"In that period, 92 new weekly services have been added that Geelong passengers can access," the spokesman said.

"More people travelled on V/Line services than ever ­before in the 2018-19 financial year with more than 22.36 million passenger trips taken."

To cope with demand V/Line has upgraded two daily weekday Geelong line services.

VLocity carriages are now used for the 7:36am Geelong to Southern Cross and 6:18pm Southern Cross to Geelong that has added about 80 seats to each service.

Across the network V/Line delivered 87.8 per cent of services on time in August which was above the level achieved in August 2018 (86.9 per cent) but still below V/Line's target of 92 per cent.

Punctuality on the Warrnambool line improved from 88.1 in July to 91.9 per cent in August.
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The Courier --> V/Line annual report shows Ballarat's partonage has grown 45 per cent in five years.



QuotePatronage is jumping, but new carriages are not necessarily coming online quick enough, according to V/Line's annual report.

The report released last week has shown Ballarat has experienced a 45.7 per cent jump in patronage numbers in the past five years, hitting 4.9 million customers for the 2018-19 financial year.

But despite the heavy growth, there has only been 12 new VLocity carriages added in the past 12 months - bringing the total to 48 - which was a state government commitment - to completion. Another 39 carriages have been ordered.

Of those 12 to come online, just two have recently been added to the Ballarat line, running peak hour services between Southern Cross and Bacchus Marsh.

But the State Government promises some sort of relief is on the way with the Ballarat line upgrade expected to be finished within weeks allowing for services to run every 40 minutes.

However, if you think it's getting crowded on the Ballarat line, spare a thought for those commuters on the Geelong line which has seen a 131.5 per cent growth in numbers in the past five years.

Passengers using the Geelong line have risen from just over four million passengers to the past year 9.83 million. However that line does now include outer western suburbs of Melbourne and new stations including at Marshall and Waurn Ponds in growth areas.

The report also outlines that the authority suffered $30 million deficit for the 2018-19 year which VLine says is due to higher than budgeted leave entitlement charges.

The State Government contribution to the authority also dropped $149 million however according to the report, this was heavily due to the phasing out of V/Line's activity on the Murray Basin Rail Project.

The State Opposition has claimed that the $149 million is proof that regional customers are being short-changed for new Metro Rail works.

"V/Line passengers are the ones who are facing the pain for Daniel Andrews' savage budget cuts, with delays and cancellations every day," opposition transport spokesperson Steph Ryan said.

"Compensation paid to travellers has soared because of the network's constant failure."

But the State Government hit back claiming the opposition had not delved deeply into the report, instead looking at numbers over facts.

"The Opposition can have its own opinions but can't have its own facts - this is scare-mongering from the Nationals who have an appalling track record on delivering regional rail services for Victorians," Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne said.

"We invested an extra $41 million last financial year for V/Line operations - allowing it to continue running a record number of train and coach services across Victoria."

"At the same time we're building more tracks and stations through the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival and delivering on our promise to provide new regional trains."

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Herald Sun --> State government announces plan which includes $1.75 billion upgrade to regional rail

QuoteA plan to bolster Victoria's country train lines has been proposed by the state government, which would see services from Ballarat to Melbourne operate every 20 minutes.

Regional Victorians would get "commuter-style" train services heading to Melbourne every 20 minutes by the end of next decade, as part of a plan to bolster country lines.

Billions of dollars will be pumped into country rail to improve travel times and boost reliability — installing new signalling, duplicating tracks, and building stabling.

To start, the Ballarat line next year will switch over to a service frequency of 40 minutes during the day, compared to the current average of an hour.

This will be done as part of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival — a federal and state partnership.

But the aim is to halve that frequency, to 20 minutes by 2030, and extend more regular services to Traralgon, Bendigo and Seymour, according to the State Government.

Off-peak, trains would arrive every 40 minutes.

Changes can't come soon enough for most regional Victorians, who have slammed public transport in this state.

A PwC Australia survey of 4612 people found 68 per cent in inner Melbourne were satisfied with transport services in general compared with 23 per cent of regional Victorians.

By 2030 the state government's Regional Network Development Plan is aimed at delivering five return services each weekday for long-distance lines including Albury-Wodonga, Bairnsdale, Echuca, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Warrnambool.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan, who is also the member for Bendigo East, said: "Our big build is about giving people choice about where they want to live and where they want to go".

"These projects will slash travel times, reduce congestion, move produce from paddock to port quickly and deliver more trains, more often throughout regional Victoria," she said.

Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien said more should be done to reduce commute times to help people who are commuting to jobs.

"All of a sudden, you're opening up the state," he said.

"I just think Victorian should have options. If we've got transport options we're giving people choices. A lot of Victorians are feeling constrained, they're always having to compromise on what they want to do."

Queensland cannot even manage 20 minute trains to Doomben !!   :P
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#Metro

Why is Melbourne all for 20 and 40 min frequencies? It appears to be a Melbourne thing.

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ozbob

Quote from: #Metro on October 28, 2019, 05:42:27 AM
Why is Melbourne all for 20 and 40 min frequencies? It appears to be a Melbourne thing.

Pragmatism.  Pure and simple.

They know that cannot achieve 15 minute or 30 minute in the case of Ballarat, or other lines 15 minutes.  But they can manage 20 minute, eg.  Pakenham and Cranbourne, which then gives 10 minute frequency in from Dandenong.
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#Metro

QuotePragmatism.  Pure and simple.

They know that cannot achieve 15 minute or 30 minute in the case of Ballarat, or other lines 15 minutes.  But they can manage 20 minute, eg.  Pakenham and Cranbourne, which then gives 10 minute frequency in from Dandenong.

Is there any other city in the world that does it this way?
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Herald Sun --> Rail, Tram and Bus Union launches V/Line industrial action during Australian Open finals

QuotePublic transport strikes will create chaos during the Australian Open, with V/Line staff to walk off the job in the same week as tram drivers.

Industrial action led by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union will shut down the Geelong and Warrnambool lines for 24 hours on January 29.

Staff will also refuse work to overtime on Mondays and Fridays, starting January 31, in a move which may delay services and prevent some trains from running.

Another 24-hour stoppage will shut down the Bendigo and Swan Hill lines on February 7.

It comes just days after the union announced tram drivers and operational staff would strike on January 28 and 30 as thousands of people flock to the tennis.

The union has asked for a 6 per cent pay rise year on year but the Andrews Government has held firm on its wages policy of 2 per cent for public servants.

V/Line is a state government owned corporation.

RTBU state secretary Luba Grigorovitch said contract conditions were also in dispute.

"Our members take great pride in their work, getting people from A to B, but when government and the company team up to attack their ability to deliver that service they take it very personally," she said.

"The government is expecting V/Line workers to do more with less, more services less support, and our members just won't stand for it."

Ms Grigorovitch reiterated calls for a government-appointed mediator to become involved.

"Negotiations with V/Line continue to go in circles, we need a circuit breaker," she said.

"We're trying to find middle ground but V/Line have demonstrated they are unwilling to compromise.

"We don't take any action lightly and ultimately would prefer it be avoided, but RTBU members are fed up and the public deserves a way forward,"

A government spokeswoman said:

"This is an incredibly disappointing decision, especially during the peak of our major events season.

"There is still time for the parties to resolve this without impacting Victorians who rely on these services to get them where they need to go."

A spokesperson for V/Line said that RTBU's intention to take action was "extremely disappointing and will cause disruption to our passengers."

"We received written advice of the RTBU's intention to take further protected action in the coming weeks."

"Discussions with RTBU took place as recently as last week, and we will continue discussions with the RTBU in good faith and again ask them to come back to the negotiating table."
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Melbourne Age --> Passenger and freight trains crash in north-east Victoria


A freight train has collided with a VLine train at Barnawartha.CREDIT:MARK JESSER/THE BORDER MAIL

QuoteA V/Line passenger train has crashed into a derailed freight train at Barnawartha in Victoria's north-east near the border of NSW early on Wednesday night.

Twenty passengers and staff on the V/Line train were not injured, but emergency services were called and paramedics were on the scene.

An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said 19 people were assessed.

The V/Line train crashed about 5.45pm, not long after leaving Albury for Southern Cross Station at 5.20pm.

The crash sparked a grassfire on the Hume Freeway, was burning out of control at the advice level before being deemed safe at 8.15pm.

"People located within Hume Freeway, Barnawartha area of the grass fire are now able to resume normal activities," the VicEmergency update said.

"The train incident is still ongoing and is currently being assessed by the relevant agencies."

Coaches were replacing V/Line services on Wednesday night between Albury and Melbourne.

One northbound lane on the Hume Freeway near Barnawartha was also closed. Southbound traffic was unaffected.

====

https://twitter.com/9NewsMelb/status/1222427374899421185
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Rail Express --> Track repairs commence following V/Line and freight train crash

QuoteWork is now under way to replace more than 1,800 damaged sleepers and more than 180 metres of damaged rail.

Last week an incident involving a freight and passenger train between Chiltern and Barnawartha in south of Wodonga, Victoria caused all services on the line to be suspended until further notice.

A northbound freight train derailed, and a passenger train travelling south on the adjacent track struck a wagon of the derailed freight train.

A spokesperson from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) provided an update on the investigation following the incident that occurred on Wednesday, January 29.

"The ARTC is continuing to work with rail safety regulators and operators on the recovery effort," the spokesperson said.

After safety regulators completed their initial assessments the day after the incident, the recovery operation started involving around 60 workers.

"Work so far has focused on recovering wagons, components, and containers from the track and moving the V/Line train and majority of freight containers," the spokesperson said.

"While repairs are underway, timing for the line to reopen is not yet confirmed.

"With temperatures reaching more than 44 degrees in the recovery site area, hot works are being extremely carefully managed and crews provided additional rest breaks and hydration measures.

"ARTC will provide further updates to media and our customers as soon as they become available."
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Melbourne Age --> V/Line services threatened as rail workers refuse to work on toxic soil dump site

QuoteRail workers say they will not set foot on a rail yard in Melbourne's west if it becomes a dangerous dump site for the West Gate Tunnel's toxic soil, potentially leading to mass train cancellations on the strained V/Line network.

The Age has revealed a controversial state government proposal to dump the toll road's soil — contaminated with potential carcinogens PFAS and asbestos — at a Wyndham Vale rail yard, just metres away from housing and four planned schools.

The government has said it plans to use the 82-hectare government-owned site in Treasurer Tim Pallas' Werribee electorate as a "back-up, temporary" dumping ground, but the move has triggered a fierce backlash among local residents.

It comes as internal V/Line documents reveal that the $180 million rail yard will play a vital role in ensuring an efficient V/Line service through desperately needed maintenance and train storage space.

The Wyndham Vale rail yard is being built at a cost of $180 million to replace the Footscray train stabling site which is being removed as part of the $6.7 billion West Gate Tunnel works.

But operations at the new rail yard, which is set to open within months, could face serious challenges, with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union warning that members would not enter a site that puts their health at risk.

"If this is confirmed, and it's dangerous to our members, it would be irresponsible for V/Line to expect our people to work there," head of the locomotive division Marc Marotta said. "We just won't go in there if it poses any danger."

In a letter sent to the state government on Monday night, the union's secretary Luba Grigorovitch said plans to use the facility as a dumping ground were "completely unacceptable".

She demanded confirmation that the soil would not contaminate air conditioning systems on the Geelong to Melbourne trains, which are stored at the Wyndham Vale site.

A disruption to the Wyndham Vale rail yard would have significant consequences for the network, according to internal V/Line documents obtained under freedom of information laws.

The rail yard – built to plug a major "shortfall" in maintenance and storage space – was needed to avoid mass V/Line train cancellations, bus replacement services and higher operational costs, leading to "irrevocable reputational damage", an internal V/Line briefing warned.

The rail yard was needed to run a greater number of services on the network and to operate new trains reliably, the documents obtained by the Victorian opposition show.

The need for the rail yard became urgent after the removal of the Footscray stabling site to make way for the West Gate Tunnel late last year.

In 2018, V/Line warned that stabling capacity would be exceeded by March 2019, while maintenance facilities "are at effective capacity". An extra 38 new VLocity carriages to arrive early this year would worsen the problem.

But even after the Wyndham Vale stabling yard is built, this would not be enough to meet the needs of the growing network, V/Line warned.

"This has seen V/Line's ability to deliver its fleet maintenance program slowly erode.

"The lack of maintenance infrastructure will continue to impact on performance ... These shortages will impact V/Line's reliability."

Opposition transport infrastructure spokesman David Davis said any impact on the rail yard's operations would be disastrous for V/Line and potential stabling for Metro's trains planned for the site.

The rail yard – built to plug a major "shortfall" in maintenance and storage space – was needed to avoid mass V/Line train cancellations, bus replacement services and higher operational costs, leading to "irrevocable reputational damage", an internal V/Line briefing warned.

The rail yard was needed to run a greater number of services on the network and to operate new trains reliably, the documents obtained by the Victorian opposition show.

The need for the rail yard became urgent after the removal of the Footscray stabling site to make way for the West Gate Tunnel late last year.

In 2018, V/Line warned that stabling capacity would be exceeded by March 2019, while maintenance facilities "are at effective capacity". An extra 38 new VLocity carriages to arrive early this year would worsen the problem.

But even after the Wyndham Vale stabling yard is built, this would not be enough to meet the needs of the growing network, V/Line warned.

"This has seen V/Line's ability to deliver its fleet maintenance program slowly erode.

"The lack of maintenance infrastructure will continue to impact on performance ... These shortages will impact V/Line's reliability."

Opposition transport infrastructure spokesman David Davis said any impact on the rail yard's operations would be disastrous for V/Line and potential stabling for Metro's trains planned for the site.
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Herald Sun --> V/Line workers score new pay deal

QuoteV/Line staff will receive a one-off payment of $2000 and a pay rise of 5.5 per cent this year under a deal with the state government that will increase their wages by 11 per cent over the next three years.

In a sign the good times continue for public sector workers despite the state being in a coronavirus-induced recession, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union has won annual pay rises of 2.75 per cent a year over the life of the four-year agreement which will be backdated to July 1 last year.

The Andrews' Government's wages policy declares "increases in wages and conditions will be capped at a rate of growth of 2 per cent per annum over the life of the agreement".

But while pay deals for workers at the government-owned regional rail carrier may be above the targets in the government's public sector pay policy, they are nowhere near as good as the increases won by their counterparts at Metro Trains.

That deal, which was signed in April as the state was going into lockdown, will give workers at Metro Trains an extra 3.5 per cent a year and a similar increase in allowances.

Under the V/Line wages deal, workers have also won an extra two weeks parental leave for the primary carer and another week for the secondary carer.

V/Line workers have also been granted "public holiday credits", which give them the option of working on a public holiday for 250 per cent of their normal wage or 150 per cent plus an extra day's ­holiday.

RTBU boss Luba Grigorovitch said the deal was a fair deal for her members.

"My members do a tough job day in, day out and deserve the job security which comes with this EA," she said.

But Opposition transport spokesman David Davis slammed the deal.

"This is far beyond what the community expects at this time of crisis and far beyond what the average worker is getting," he said. "This is Melissa Horne's departing present for the Victorian taxpayer — there appear to be few productivity improvements or offsets if any — and this all delivered in a context of appalling punctuality and reliability failure."

A government spokeswoman said V/Line staff had done an exceptional job in keeping people moving during this pandemic, and the government was pleased that an agreement had been reached.
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https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/more-victorian-made-vlocity-trains-way

More Victorian-Made VLocity Trains On The Way

15 September 2020

The Victorian Government is continuing its massive investment in regional passenger rail and boosting Victorian jobs, with another 18 VLocity trains now being made locally to improve services across the state.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today announced the latest order of regional trains is now under construction at Dandenong-based manufacturer Bombardier, supporting 100 direct local jobs and hundreds more through the local supply chain.

With an investment of $340 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, this new order will include 12 new broad-gauge trains to improve capacity on Victoria's busiest regional lines and six additional new standard-gauge trains for the North East line, which is currently being upgraded.

The new broad-gauge trains have been designed for both short and medium distance services and will include a facelift including modified drivers' cab, dedicated storage area for bicycles and accessibility improvements.

The new long-haul standard-gauge trains will begin to replace the aging classic fleet on the North East line next year, providing passengers with a more modern, comfortable journey between Melbourne and Albury.

Incorporating feedback from passengers and V/Line staff, the standard-gauge trains will feature built-in USB chargers, shared tables, dedicated spaces for luggage and bikes, modern catering and food facilities and six accessible spaces for people who use mobility aids with companion seats nearby.

All the new VLocity trains also include mobile phone signal boosters to deliver improved coverage for passengers throughout their journeys.

The new standard gauge VLocity trains will start taking passengers after the North East Line Upgrade is complete and they have undergone rigorous testing.

The Victorian Government has delivered a 40 per cent increase in regional rail services since 2015, with V/Line now running more than 2,000 services every week.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

"Not only are we building great trains for Victorians – we're doing it right here in Dandenong, providing jobs for 100 Victorians in construction, and creating work for hundreds more across the supply chain."

"We're delivering the world-class regional trains Victorians deserve – with modern amenities to make people's journeys around our state more reliable, accessible and enjoyable."

Quote attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan

"Alongside the upgrade of the North East Line, these trains will deliver a more modern, comfortable journey for passengers travelling between Melbourne and Albury – we can't wait for them to hit the tracks."

Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams

"At a time when many Victorians have lost work due to the pandemic, we're proud to be building our regional trains right here in Dandenong – providing job security and extra work for hundreds of local people."
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Andrew

I don't understand why the North East standard gauge line is limited to 130km/h? Especially if they are upgrading it for Inland Rail. Both the XPT's and Velocity's will comfortably do 160km/h. If you want to shorten travel times, that's the way to do it.  :conf
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Herald Sun --> Shepparton rail upgrade: Federal Government sets date on faster and more frequent trains to Melbourne

QuoteThe Federal Government has announced a whopping $320 million to fund stage three of the Shepparton Rail Line upgrade as part of Tuesday's budget.

The funding will join the $356 million invested by the state government in the project, which has seen completion of stage one of the upgrade, with stage two about to start.

The Victorian Government will also contribute an additional $7.5 million for the business case, and $80 into the stage three upgrade.

But the big question remains: when will Shepparton commuters get their speedy trip to Melbourne?

The Federal Government indicates it could be late-2023 when stage three is completed.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR
Stage one has been completed, which saw an extra 10 train services run a week, as well as extra coach services to Seymour.

Stage two – which is said to start soon – will allow VLocity trains to run on the line through platform extensions at Mooroopna, Murchison East and Nagambie, 59 level crossing upgrades and a "business case" to figure out the costs of delivering nine return services to Shepparton each day.

This stage is said to be completed in late-2022.

Stage three will see signalling and "additional upgrades" to allow nine services a day to run to and from Shepparton at a max speed of 130km/h.

Stage two will see the introduction of VLocity trains, which Rail Futures president John Hearsch said are "better, newer and more comfortable".

It has been a while coming for Shepparton, as Ballarat got them in 2005, Geelong in 2009 and Bendigo in 2018.

But Mr Hearsch said train times would not be increased until the track was upgraded to allow the trains to travel at higher speeds.

"They might be a few minutes faster after stage two, but track speeds are not being increased until stage three."

WHEN WILL TRIPS BE FASTER?

The Federal Government has indicated stage three would start in late-2021 and finish late-2023, which would mean it would overlap with stage two works, essentially fast-tracking the project.

It means Shepparton could see under two hour trips to Melbourne in three years time.

The Goulburn Valley News understands the $320 million was calculated from a Victorian Government preliminary business case, but we won't know more about the specific works until the business case is finalised.

WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING

Independent Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed hailed the funding as "absolutely transformational" for the region.

"The Shepparton rail project will play an important role both at a national and state level to lead recovery and support employment in the region," she said.

Federal Minister for Nicholls, Damian Drum and Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell also welcomed the funding was welcomed and the 990 jobs the project would create in the region.

But Mr Drum said it was an example of the commonwealth "bailing" the state government out.

"Looks like it's only going to progress because the federal government is going to pay for the vast majority of it," he said.

Mr Hearsch said joint commonwealth and state funding on rail projects was "not unusual", and was looking forward to future discussions about fast rail, which would see 200km/hr trains from regional cities to Melbourne.
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Rail Express --> VLocity trains on their way to Shepparton

"The Victorian government has committed to fund stage three of the Shepparton Line upgrade, which will enable VLocity trains to run nine return services a day between Melbourne and northern Victoria. ... "
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Rail Express --> VLocity fleet celebrates service milestone as fleet continues to expand

QuoteThe locally designed and built VLocity fleet has marked a major milestone, clocking up 15 years of service and over 370 million kilometres travelled.

First introduced to the Victorian regional network in 2005, the fleet, manufactured by Bombardier Transportation, has now grown to 88 vehicles, with more on order after the Victorian government purchased an additional 18 trains in 2020.

"The VLocity train built proudly in Victoria for Victoria – from the ground-up – is a truly remarkable train that has well and truly stood the test of time," said Wendy McMillan, president Australia and New Zealand at Bombardier Transportation. ...
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Rail Express --> Upgrades to deliver more train services for Gippsland

Quote... The improvements include duplicating track, extending the Morwell crossing loop, upgrading level crossings and signalling, adding second platforms at three stations along the line and reactivating the second platform at Traralgon.

The second platform at Morwell Station has been redesigned after consultation with Latrobe City Council and the local community to improve connectivity with the bus interchange.

Darren Chester said the works would allow Traralgon trains to travel every 40-minute between the peaks and give passengers a more reliable service.

"These upgrades are absolutely vital to keep the communities of Gippsland connected to each other and to Melbourne," Chester said. ...
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