My Train – The V/Line School Education Program
What is ‘My Train’?
This
program helps primary school children learn how to make the most of their
public transport system.
The
program includes complimentary train travel for a maximum of 20 students and 4
accompanying adults to take a day trip with V/Line (subject to booking
availability)
Teachers
will also be sent a Train Training kit, which provides a fun, yet educational, approach to rail safety.
See
‘Frequently Asked Questions’ below for further information on the program and
how to apply.
> Apply online now!
My Train - Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the ‘My Train’ program?
The program is
available to primary schools throughout regional Victoria located near a V/Line
train station. In all, around 500 schools in regional Victoria are
eligible. We encourage all schools to apply - if your school is not eligible
we will be in touch to let you know.
How do we plan our journey?
For timetable information,
please use the Plan Your Journey tool 
on
our homepage
or visit our Timetables
page. You can also call us on 136 196
if you need timetable advice.
Can we travel at any time?
Travel is limited
to weekends and off peak weekday services (arriving into the city after
9:00am and departing from the city before 4:00pm >
more info…). ‘Plan Your Journey’
results show whether your intended journey is peak or off peak.
When can I arrange a train trip?
Train trips can be arranged throughout the year. However, each eligible school
is only eligible for one My Train program per year. In addition, only one
school group can travel per day. To avoid disappointment, you should get your
application in well ahead of your desired date of travel.
Can more than 20 students or 4 adults travel?
Yes – we are happy for you to pay for any additional passengers. This will be
at the discounted Group Bookings rate – which is 50% of the
standard adult fare. Just fill in the total number of passengers in each
category (Student & Adult) and we will get back to you with a cost.
Do the free ‘My Train’ tickets include connecting V/Line
coach travel?
No, your tickets are for train travel only. Schools that are unable to
get to a V/Line station by foot will need to make their own travel arrangements
to get to the station.
Is there a limit to how many schools can travel on any one
day?
Travel will be limited to one school
per day. To avoid disappointment, you should get your application in well
ahead of your desired date of travel.
Does everyone from our school have to travel as one group
on the same day?
Yes.
How many times can my school apply for the My Train
program?
Eligible schools
can apply for one program each year.
How do I know that my application has been received?
All emails received will be acknowledged. Due to the
amount of applications received, a travel itinerary will be sent to you 14 days
prior to travel.
Can the tickets be used on trams?
The complimentary
travel tickets are primarily for travel on V/Line trains. However, if you
travel into Melbourne, you will be entitled to metropolitan travel on trams,
trains and buses at no further cost. See Your V/Line ticket is also a Metcard
for more info.
Travel on the City Circle Tram is free. More information
on the City Circle Tram can be found on the Metlink website (new window) including
a Route Map (PDF, 120KB)
Where are good places to travel to with V/Line?
Melbourne is the most popular destination,
but there are also plenty of places to visit throughout regional Victoria e.g.
·
Ballarat: Sovereign Hill flyer (PDF, 100KB)
·
Morwell: Power Works flyer (PDF, 100KB)
·
Swan
Hill: See the Pioneer Settlement Museum website (new window)
·
Bendigo: Discovery Centre flyer (PDF, 200KB)
·
Bendigo: Central Deborah Gold Mine flyer (PDF, 200KB)
·
Bendigo: Majestic Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram (PDF, 350KB)
·
Warrnambool:
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (PDF, 180KB)
(Remember: if the town centre is any distance from the
station, you will need to arrange your own transport.)
How do eligible schools obtain free train tickets?
1.
Decide your
preferred date and time when you would like your students to take their
excursion
2.
Due to the
number of applications received, all applications must now be made via our
website via the Online Application Form. Send
it to us at least four weeks in advance of the desired travel date.
All emails received will be acknowledged. Due to the
amount of applications received, a travel itinerary will be sent to you 14 days
prior to travel.
Once your booking is confirmed, your ‘My Train’ pack (including
your itinerary) will be sent directly to your school 14 days prior to travel
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
Please contact us by email
or call (03) 9619 5900.
Where can I get educational materials for my classroom?
Posters and materials are available at vline.com.au/traintraining
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