May 9, 2017

Eighteen new services every week for bendigo line

The Andrews Labor Government will introduce 18 extra services for the Bendigo line every week from late August as part of a new V/Line timetable that will add more than 140 regional services across Victoria.

The timetable will add a new weekday service in the evening, and a late night service that currently just runs on Friday will run every weeknight.

Half the new Bendigo line services will run on the weekend – five on Saturdays and four on Sundays – meaning trains every hour on average during the day on the weekend, down from every 90 minutes as they are now. "The new services will better connect Macedon passengers to work, education and each other – and get them home safer and sooner to the people they love." Ms Thomas said.

Today’s announcement puts further pressure on the Turnbull Government to finally fund regional rail in the Federal Budget.

Victorians are tired of being short changed by the Turnbull Government on infrastructure funding, particularly regional Victorians given the Federal Coalition is supposed to represent large parts of country Victoria.

The Andrews Labor Government is doing its bit, investing billions in new regional trains, line upgrades and services, and recently announcing a $91 million upgrade that will enable more trains to Echuca and Stage 2 of Bendigo Metro.

This year’s Budget funds 39 new regional carriages – building on the 48 already ordered – and funds the permanent extension of late night coach services to Bendigo on the weekend as part of Night Network.

But the Labor Government can’t keep doing all the heavy lifting alone. It’s time for the Turnbull Government to give Victoria its fair share, so we can deliver better regional rail right across Victoria.

The timings of coaches and buses that connect with trains will be adjusted to reflect the new timetable, which will be available in July from ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport and Member Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"These new services will make a real difference – reducing waiting and crowding for local passengers, particularly on weekends."

"It’s time for the Turnbull Government to stop ignoring regional Victoria and give us our money, so we can keep improving services to Bendigo and across regional Victoria."

Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"After years of inaction and neglect from the Liberals and Nationals, we are delivering better services for Castlemaine, Bendigo and across regional Victoria."

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