Question details

I thank the member for his question.

The Allan Labor Government continues to take action to make it as easy and affordable as possible for regional Victorians to access public transport – such as introducing more services, more accessible and reliable trains, and slashing V/Line fares for Gippsland passengers. 

We know that the popularity of our free and half-price travel initiatives, in addition to our regional fare cap policy (saving Bairnsdale Line passengers up to $73 per return fare, and Traralgon passengers up to $58, after the commencement of the half-price travel initiative from 1 June 2026), means that more people are choosing regional public transport than ever before. That is why it is critical that we invested to deliver 23 more VLocity trains, and have completed the Gippsland Line Upgrade to enable these more accessible and reliable trains on the Gippsland corridor and deliver more services.

Following the completion of this project in August 2025, an additional 87 new services were added on the Traralgon Line. In addition, from 1 February 2026, as part of the Metro Tunnel “Big Switch”, an extra 18 Traralgon Line services were introduced. This equates to an overall increase of 105 weekly services in the past 12 months, with Traralgon Line passengers now able to access a train approximately every 40 minutes between 8am and 9pm, seven days a week. 

Additionally, services to and from Sale on Sundays were extended to start and end in Bairnsdale, providing better travel options for locals and visitors to the region.

In terms of the number of allocated carriages per service – V/Line closely monitors patronage and prioritises 6-car services wherever possible, responding to network requirements.

During the free travel period, passengers have not needed a ticket to travel on V/Line train services, to maximise capacity and avoid instances of no-shows that have been seen on trains in previous free public transport periods. Bookings have only been suspended during this period, and resume from 1 June when the Allan Labor Government’s half-price travel initiative begins. During this period, V/Line has been closely monitoring services and patronage, and has arranged coaches to be on standby at key locations to support train services.

Elderly passengers and passengers with accessibility needs may call 1800 800 007 prior to travelling to ensure staff are aware of their travel needs and can assist as needed. These passengers may also speak to station staff, the conductor onboard the service, or Travellers Aid at Flinders Street, Southern Cross or their three other locations at Geelong, Seymour or Ballarat if they require additional assistance. Other passengers are encouraged to provide their seat to those who need it - particularly if priority seats are already in use. This includes passengers with disabilities, accessibility needs, those who are pregnant or with children, and passengers wearing a Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard.

Gabrielle Williams MP

Minister for Public and Active Transport