Tuesday, 25 August 2026

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (14:23): I am delighted that six-carriage VLocity trains will soon operate on the Warrnambool line, delivering much-needed extra capacity on our busiest services. It is terrific news for our whole region, from Portland to Heywood to Hamilton and all the way down the line to Melbourne. Testing and regulatory approvals are now underway, with longer trains expected on the busy Friday and weekend services later this year. Demand on the Warrnambool line continues to grow, particularly as we make public transport more affordable for all Victorians. When we introduced the regional fare cap to cut the cost of a return trip from Warrnambool to Melbourne, it saved more than $70 per adult, and with half-price fares we know so many more people are choosing to travel by train. The Carroll Labor government is responding to that increased demand by delivering more capacity, enabled by the completion of the new $30 million Warrnambool stabling facility. I am incredibly pleased to see the testing underway and look forward to the six-carriage VLocity trains alleviating pressure and carrying passengers on the Warrnambool line in the near future.