A RESERVATION-only booking system for seats on weekend V/Line train services between Albury and Melbourne will be trialled, in an attempt to overcome over crowding since cheaper fares were introduced five months ago.

Under the 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.

With only two of six carriages on the Albury line services currently offered reserved seating, a surplus of unreserved ticket holders have found themselves being forced to stand for all or some of an up to four-hour long journey, with some choosing to sit on the floor.

Extra train services on a Saturday morning from Albury and another on Sunday afternoon from Southern Cross was trialled during July and August to address the demand, but overcrowding still exists.

The State Government this week announced it will trial weekend reserved seating from Saturday, September 2 until late November following feedback from a recent survey of weekend passengers.

It found that more than 70 per cent supported a move to reservation-only seating on the busy Albury line trains.

Wangaratta-based Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said the trial was "a great win for North East Victoria" after consistent lobbying.

Benambra MP Bill Tilley welcomed the change but said this shouldn’t be just a trial it should be permanent, and it should be extended to every service and not just weekends.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said while the move was a positive recognition of the under-serviced railway line, it was a distraction from the real problem, which she said is the need for more frequent and reliable services.

"While the introduction of reserved seating on weekends might alleviate weekend crowding, it raises several unanswered questions,” Ms Cleeland said.

“This trial, without additional services, could potentially restrict even more passengers from utilising the train system.

“There is uncertainty about the availability of these reserved seats, as I've already heard reports of advanced bookings becoming a challenge for community members."

V/Line said it will keep Albury line passengers updated as details of the seating reservations trial are finalised to ensure passengers have advanced notice of the change.

Once implemented, V/Line will closely monitor the trial.

In the meantime, 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.

Passengers with accessibility needs are also encouraged to call 1800 800 007 to book a reserved seat or accessible space with special provision being made in the trial to ensure sufficient seating is available for those with special needs.

Since cheaper fares were introduced on March 31, about 150,000 Albury line passengers have used the service.