The Andrews Labor Government is delivering more reliable and comfortable journeys for Shepparton Line passengers with VLocity trains to start travelling to and from Shepparton for the first time this month.

From Sunday 23 October, all services on the Shepparton Line will be modern VLocity trains, an improvement made possible by the Shepparton Line Upgrade and the Labor Government’s ongoing investment in new trains for regional Victoria.

A new timetable taking effect the same day will include changes to arrival and departure times and additional stops at Heathcote Junction, Tallarook and Donnybrook – ensuring these growing communities have better access to transport, connecting locals to health services, employment and friends and family.

A celebration will be held at Shepparton Station on Sunday 23 October to mark the start of VLocity services, with a host of local suppliers getting involved to deliver a great day for the Shepparton community.

Platform extensions to accommodate longer VLocity trains have been completed at Nagambie, Murchison East and Mooroopna stations, as well as safety, accessibility and amenity upgrades for station users.

Another 14 level crossing upgrades on the line were completed while coaches replaced trains last month, while works progressed on the new stabling facility north of Shepparton to house VLocity trains.

The VLocity is the newest and fastest train in the V/Line fleet and has improved features including mobile signal boosters for better phone coverage and better accessibility for people with prams or mobility aids.

The Labor Government has invested $436 million for the Shepparton Line Upgrade, with Stage 1 already complete, delivering 10 extra weekly services along the line.

Work is progressing on Stage 3 of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, which will enable nine weekday return services and trains to travel faster on the line.

New timetables will be available from Friday 7 October at ptv.vic.gov.au and PTV’s journey planner app.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan MP:

“With extra services and better stations already delivered, these trains are the next phase in our complete overhaul of the Shepparton Line – and there’s more to come.”

“Through the Shepparton Line Upgrade, and our investment in new VLocity trains, we’re delivering better public transport for regional Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence MP:

“We’re delivering better transport connections for the growing communities in Northern Victoria – with more trains, more often, and more comfortable and reliable journeys in the new Vlocity trains.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes MP:

“We’re giving locals more options than ever before to get to where they need to go – delivering the transport connections Victorians need and deserve.”