Sunday, 10 April
Media release from the Minister for Public Transport
Trains will return to Stawell tomorrow with an entire carriage of The Overland now available for passengers travelling within Victoria at V/Line fares, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder announced today.
Mr Mulder said that from tomorrow The Overland train, which operates three weekly return rail services between Melbourne and Adelaide, would make an extra stop at Stawell.
"The return of trains to Stawell will mean residents have improved public transport connections to other towns in western Victoria including Nhill, Horsham, Dimboola and Ararat, as well as improved connections to Melbourne," Mr Mulder said.
"Tourism and the local economy will receive a great boost with The Overland bringing many interstate and international passengers to the area each week."
Mr Mulder said in a further boost for passengers, an entire carriage on each Overland service would be available at V/Line fares for passengers travelling within Victoria.
"From tomorrow, passengers in western Victoria will have access to up to 60 seats on all Overland trains," Mr Mulder said.
"This means more people can travel between country towns in western Victoria and connect to Melbourne at standard V/Line fares.
"The extra seat availability is part of a new agreement between the Department of Transport, V/Line and Great Southern Rail and provides a huge increase from the 12 seats that were previously available," Mr Mulder said.
An upgrade of Stawell Railway Station was completed this month to allow for the return of passenger rail services tomorrow. This upgrade included platform resurfacing, new lighting and seating on the platform, car park works and provision of a DDA compliant coach stop.
Mr Mulder said these improvements were part of the government’s commitment to improving public transport services and connections for people in country Victoria.
"The Coalition Government is also planning for the return of passenger rail between Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo on a cross-country route via Meredith, Maryborough and Castlemaine," Mr Mulder said.
Book tickets for The Overland within Victoria at www.vline.com.au or call 136 196.