Hansard debates

6686.       Mr Northe to ask the Minister for Public Transport —

(1)    From 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2016, how many new V/Line carriages came into operation.

(2)    On what regional rail networks were these new V/Line carriages delivered.

(3)    How many of these new V/Line carriages were delivered to the Gippsland rail network.

(4)    From 1 January 2011 to 1 January 2016, how many existing carriages were removed from the Gippsland rail network.

(5)    Did the Government previously have a plan, or is there a future plan, to implement a rail passing loop at Westhall Station to improve V/Line services.

(6)    Did the Government previously have a plan, or is there a future plan, to implement a dedicated rail line between Dandenong and Caulfield to improve V/Line services.

ANSWER:

Our Trains, Trams, Jobs 2015-2025 - Victorian Rolling Stock Strategy details long-term rolling stock requirements-a ten year plan for 100 new metro trains, 100 new trams and a massive expansion of the regional train fleet. This Strategy is accessible at:

[http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/trains-trams-jobs-2015-2025/].

The Andrews Labor Government is committed to a strong program of investment to improve public transport services in regional Victoria. The 2015-16 State Budget allocated $257 million in funding to purchase an extra 21 VLocity carriages, which are due to be delivered by 2018. We are also in the process of preparing the Regional Network Development plan, the first of its kind to address the short, medium and long term public transport needs of regional Victoria.

The former Liberal National Government failed to order a single regional train for two years.