More reserved seating for Albury Line passengers
Published: Wed 23 Aug 2023
From Saturday 2 September, V/Line will trial making all seats reserved for Albury Line weekend services.
A recent survey of weekend passengers found more than 70 per cent supported a move to reservation-only seating on busy Albury Line trains, with weekend services in particular proving to be extremely popular following the introduction of the regional fare cap.
Under the reserved seating trial, if all seats are booked on a service, passengers would then have the option of purchasing an unreserved ticket, which alerts them that they may have to stand for some or all of their journey.
Alternatively, passengers may also have the option to travel on an overflow coach, on services where these are available.
The booking system will be updated in coming days and more information will be available on this page once the details are finalised, ensuring passengers have advanced notice of the change.
Once implemented, V/Line will closely monitor this trial which will run until late November.
Albury Line passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve a seat for all long-distance
services by booking online, at a staffed V/Line or premium Metro station, by calling 1800 800 007 or by visiting a retail ticket agent.
Questions and Answers
If I purchased a reserved ticket prior to the trial starting will there be any changes to my booking?
Yes. If you purchased a reserved ticket before 25 August for travel on or after 2 September, your seat number will have changed. V/Line will send an SMS to ticket holders advising them of the new seat number or will contact passengers by phone. To check your seat number please, call 1800 800 007 and quote your reservation number.
How do I buy an unreserved ticket if all the reserved tickets are taken?
As part of this trial, a selection of unreserved tickets will be made available to purchase via the V/Line website. This will make it easier for passengers to purchase an unreserved ticket if all reserved seats are booked. Unreserved tickets will also continue to be available through staffed stations and retail ticket agents.
If a passenger turns up on the day, will they still be able to travel?
All seats on select busy Albury services, including weekend services and services during the school holidays, will be reserved during this trial. Subject to availability, passengers will still be able to purchase reserved seating on the day of travel. If all seats are booked, passengers will have the option of purchasing an unreserved ticket, which may require them to stand for all or part of their journey. Alternatively, passengers may also have the option of travelling on a coach, where one is available.
Will unreserved tickets be cheaper than reserved seats?
All regional public transport fares are capped at the same rate as metropolitan fares. Subject to availability, passengers will still be able to purchase reserved seating on the day of travel.