New trains coming

TESTING of the North East line's newly converted VLocity trains will start next month with rolling stock expected to be operational later this year. New VLocity trains needed to undergo a conversion from a broad to a standard gauge bogie, however, some delays in the process have set back the roll out time. The State Government reports that the project has experienced delays with sourcing some specialised parts from overseas due to the pandemic and this has impacted delivery times. Testing of the trains will follow track upgrades to a Class 2 standard on the North East rail line reaching completion recently - works commissioned by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and carried out by tender John Holland. As the first of its type, the first three-car standard gauge VLocity train will be tested extensively to ensure it is safe and reliable for passengers. The trains will complete hundreds of tests on the North East line and this follows several months of mechanical and electrical systems tests. The track upgrade will end more than a decade of pain for commuters starting with the track reconfiguration in 2008, followed by ballast issues due to mudholes, in turn causing lengthy travel time delays due to speed restrictions on V/Line services. Once new rolling stock is operational, the reliability of trains is also expected to improve markedly with the failing classic class locomotives, currently in operation, 40 years old. “Victoria’s first standard-gauge VLocity will start track testing on the North East Line next month before taking its first passenger later in the year following the completion of the testing and acceptance process,” a State Government spokesperson said. “The new trains will be unique to the North East Line and as such require a rigorous testing process to ensure they are safe and reliable before taking passengers. Passenger safety is always the top priority. “Remaining signal commissioning works delivered by ARTC will take place in September ahead of these trains being introduced to the North East Line. “The long-haul standard-gauge trains will replace the aging classic fleet on the North East line, providing passengers with more comfortable and reliable services between Melbourne and Albury.” Track upgrades delivered by ARTC as part of the North East Line Upgrade were completed ahead of schedule due to a program of accelerated works in 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions. The project has upgraded the North East Line to a Victorian Class 2 performance standard, bringing it into line with other parts of Victoria’s regional rail network. Remaining signal commissioning works for crossovers at Longwood and Violet Town will be completed by ARTC in September to help prepare the line for the new VLocity trains. The Victorian Government is also delivering supporting infrastructure upgrades to support the introduction of new trains on the line, including: • level crossing upgrades and closures; • an upgrade to stabling at Albury Station; and • modifications to the stabling and maintenance facilities at South Dynon. Passengers can look forward to a range of new features including USB chargers and mobile boosting technology, a modern catering facility, shared tables and accessibility improvements. The new trains feature a passenger-focused design, taking on feedback from local passenger groups, accessibility advocates, local government and tourism experts to meet the needs of long-haul journeys. The Victorian Government has invested over $1 billion in new VLocity trains and supporting infrastructure and delivered a 55 per cent increase in regional rail services since 2015, with V/Line now running 2225 services each week.

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