Albury line to receive extra train

The Albury rail line is set to receive an extra train after the Andrews Labor Government commissioned works to provide extra support for the regions rail network.

Right now the Albury Line only has 3 V/Line trains in operation to satisfy the demands for customers on the line. These 3 trains meet the minimum requirements required to run three return services to Albury each day.

Construction of one extra train will mean that there is now one spare, should anything happen to a train that affects its capacity to operate. Currently if any of the 3 trains fail, commuters are required to catch coaches as a replacement service.

The three trains will all have carriages removed in order for the fourth train to be built, with the fourth and final carriage to be built brand new.

On average it is estimated that there are roughly 330 seats per train and currently an average of 200 seats available on Albury-line services, so the reduction of carriages on each will not affect commuters travelling without a seat.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan spoke of the planned works.

“We’re building a fourth train for the Albury line to boost reliability and it’s great to see work underway.”

“Reconfiguring the carriages will improve services for local passengers while we plan for next generation trains for the north east line.”

V/Line has also already sourced and begun refurbishing a power van for the fourth train, which acts like a power supply generator for the fourth train, so it can have lighting, heating and cooling.

The $15 million works are being funded by the Labor Government in the Victorian Budget 2016-17.

General maintenance works will also be undertaken on the trains whilst the works progress, with the revamped trains expected to be back in service during the early part of 2017.

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