Warrnambool V/Line rail service
Warrnambool | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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![]() V/Line train crossing the Barwon River in Geelong | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Overview | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service type | Regional rail | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
System | Victorian railway network | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Status | Operational | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Locale | Victoria, Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Predecessor |
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First service | 25 November 1876 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current operator(s) | V/Line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Former operator(s) |
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Website | V/Line Geelong on X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Route | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termini | Southern Cross Warrnambool | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stops | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distance travelled | 267.3 km (166.1 mi) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average journey time | 3 hours 37 minutes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service frequency |
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Line(s) used | Serviceton, Deer Park–West Werribee, Port Fairy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
On-board services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class(es) | First and economy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disabled access | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Catering facilities | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Baggage facilities | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Technical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rolling stock | N class locomotive-hauled N-class carriages | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track gauge | 1,600 mm (5 ft 3 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Track owner(s) | VicTrack | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Warrnambool line is a long-distance regional rail service in Victoria, Australia. Operated by V/Line, it is the state's fourth longest railway line at 267.3 kilometres (166.1 mi). The line runs from Southern Cross station in central Melbourne to Warrnambool station in the south-west, serving 21 stations via Wyndham Vale, Geelong, Waurn Ponds, and Colac.[1] The line has five return services each weekday and three return services on weekends. Trains on the Warrnambool service run with three- to five-car N-class carriage sets, which are hauled by N class locomotives.[2]
The service was taken over by V/Line after the closure of West Coast Railway in 2004. The track that the service operates on was originally built to connect Melbourne with the rural towns of Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool, and Port Fairy, amongst others. Sections of the Port Fairy line opened as early as 1857, with the line fully extended to Warrnambool in February 1890. A section of the line between Warrnambool and Port Fairy was closed in 1977 due to limited demand.[3] Today V/Line only operates as far as Warrnambool.
Since the 2010s, there have been a number of upgrades to the line to improve the speed, accessibility and frequency of the service, including the Regional Rail Link, the Regional Rail Revival, and the planned Geelong Fast Rail project.[4][5][6]
History
[edit]19th century
[edit]The line to Geelong was originally built by the Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company and opened on 25 June 1857, with the line being sold to the Victorian Railways in 1860.[7] The line was designed by English engineer Edward Snell, and built as a single track. The line was later extended south-west, to Winchelsea in 1876, Colac in 1877, Camperdown in 1883, Terang in 1877, and finally Warrnambool, Dennington, and Port Fairy in 1890. The line is now closed beyond Warrnambool, with the last train leaving Port Fairy in September 1977.[8][3]
20th century
[edit]In the early 20th century, a similar service named "The Flyer" was introduced as an extension of the Geelong Flier to Port Fairy. The service shaved 90 minutes off the whole journey, compared with the schedule of its predecessors. This service was operated by the longer-distance E-class carriages and lasted until about 1967.
Whilst the track beyond Waurn Ponds station is mostly single with some passing loops, many duplication projects have occurred along the Geelong section of the line. The section from North Geelong to Geelong was duplicated late April 1922.[9] 37 years later in 1959, the section of track from Corio to North Geelong was duplicated. In 1979 the track from Werribee to Little River was duplicated and the sections from Little River to Lara and Lara to Corio in 1981.[10] The Regional Rail Revival project will duplicate the track from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds in late 2024.[11]
In September 1977, the line beyond Warrnambool was closed, with the final service to Port Fairy being hauled by a Victorian Railways B75 locomotive on 12 September.[8][3]
In the 1980s the Victorian Railways decided to give names to its flagship services, to follow on from the previously named "Vinelander" & "Gippslander", and "The Westcoaster" was born. It had buffet facilities on board and shaved minutes off the journey time
West Coast Railway was formed in 1993 when the Kennett government privatised long-distance country rail services previously run by the government-owned operator V/Line to private operators. Bids were lodged in February 1993 with West Coast Railway being announced as the successful tender on 30 April of the same year.[12] The initial franchise was for eight years with operations commencing on 19 September 1993.[13] The service continued using the name "The Westcoaster" until services were returned to V/Line operation and the name fell into disuse.
21st century
[edit]In August 2001, Connex purchased a 50% shareholding of West Coast Railway.[14][15] In 2003, Connex sold its shareholding to Australian Public Trustees.[16] West Coast Railway continued to operate the line until 2004 when the contract was handed back the government with V/Line resuming operation of the line.
![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/SherwoodParkStation1.jpg/220px-SherwoodParkStation1.jpg)
Since transfer to V/Line, three new stations have opened on the line: Marshall station in 2004, Sherwood Park station, near Warrnambool, in 2006, Waurn Ponds station in 2014, and Tarneit and Wyndham Vale in 2015.[17][18]
From 29 January 2017, V/Line started running a fourth service return service on weekdays with Sunday road coach services being replaced by trains. This meant that three Sunday train services ran in both directions instead of two.[19] Following the timetable change in late August 2017, weekday Warrnambool trains no longer serve Wyndham Vale or Tarneit stations. In December 2018, due to a lack of available rolling stock, H carriages were used on the line past Geelong for the first time.[20] H carriages are no longer used on the Warrnambool service.
From 31 March 2023, the cost of V/Line rail tickets were capped to the same fare as metropolitan services, with daily fares being capped at $9.20 or $4.60 for concession.[21][22][23] These changes are expected to bring a large rise in patronage, with fears of overcrowding on V/Line services.[24][25]
Regional Rail Link
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Vline_N_Class_at_Wyndham_Vale.jpg/220px-Vline_N_Class_at_Wyndham_Vale.jpg)
Due to an increase in congestion on the Werribee line where Metro and V/Line services have to share tracks, a proposal was created to construct a separate line for regional trains called the "Tarneit Link". The project was expanded and re-branded as the Regional Rail Link when announced as part of the Brumby Government's Victorian Transport Plan in December 2008.[4] The project was revised to separating all regional trains between Southern Cross and Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, from suburban rail movements, with the proposed route beginning at Southern Cross, travelling through Sunshine and Tarneit to West Werribee.
In December 2013, the first section of the upgrade works were completed and the Warrnambool service could no longer stop at North Melbourne station. On 21 June 2015, the Deer Park–West Werribee railway line opened. Consequently, Warrnambool trains began to run via Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations, rather than via Werribee and Newport stations on the Werribee Line.[26]
Level crossing removals
[edit]The Level Crossing Removal Project removed 3 level crossings in the area surrounding Deer Park in 2022 and 2023. The crossing at Robinsons Road was removed by constructing a road tunnel underneath the rail line, with the project being completed in September 2022.[27] Another crossing was removed at Mt Derrimut Road via the construction of an elevated rail bridge. This removal also included a newly elevated Deer Park station, car-parking, and public open space.[28] The final crossing that was removed was the one at Fitzgerald Road in neighbouring suburb of Ardeer. This crossing was removed in April 2022 via the construction of a road bridge over the line.[29] Despite a large number of remaining crossings on the line, there are no more scheduled to be removed by the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Future
[edit]Regional Rail Revival
[edit]![A sign](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/RRV_Sign_advising_of_the_construction_blitz_on_the_Warrnambool_Line.jpg/220px-RRV_Sign_advising_of_the_construction_blitz_on_the_Warrnambool_Line.jpg)
In 2017, the Regional Rail Revival program was announced which included an upgrade to the Warrnambool service. The first stage was aimed at allowing a fifth return service to be introduced and involved:[30][31]
- Signalling upgrades including the construction of trenches, cabling, and additional infrastructure (complete)
- A new 2.2 km crossing loop at Boorcan (complete)
- 12 level crossing upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool with boom gates, flashing lights, bells, and more advanced train detection technology (complete)
Stage 1 of the upgrade was completed in December 2022 with a fifth weekday return service introduced between Melbourne and Warrnambool.[32] In September 2021, a second stage of upgrades aimed at allowing VLocity trains to operate on the line was announced with a targeted completion date of late 2023. This second stage includes:[33]
- Upgrades to train detection technology at more than 50 public level crossings (underway)
- Installation of boom gates, bells, and flashing lights at 17 of those crossings (underway)
- The upgrade of stabling facilities at Warrnambool Station (underway)
- Track upgrades to replace old wooden sleepers (complete)
Once the project is fully complete, there will be no unprotected public level crossings on the line, with all protected by boom gates and flashing lights. The project is targeted for completion in late 2023 with works progressing.[33]
Geelong Fast Rail
[edit]The Western Rail Plan is a plan that aims to improve the quality of rail services in Melbournes western suburbs through infrastructure upgrades on a range of metropolitan and regional lines.[34] Geelong Fast Rail was one project identified in the Western Rail Plan as a matter of priority, as it would allow for Geelong and Warrnambool services to travel back via the Werribee line, cutting travel time and allowing electrification of other corridors to occur which are currently being served exclusively by V/Line trains.[6] Phase 1 of Geelong Fast Rail will consist of the following projects aimed at cutting travel times by 15 minutes:[6]
- New track between Werribee and Laverton dedicated to regional services
- Upgrades and widening of bridges over main roads, creeks, and rivers
- Upgraded stations at Werribee and Laverton
- Signalling and train control system upgrades
Construction on the project expected to get underway in 2023, with the Australian and Victorian governments committing $2 billion each to the project which is expected to create 2800 new jobs.[35]
Network and operations
[edit]Services
[edit]On weekdays, there are five express services per day. All Melbourne-bound services operate express between Geelong and Southern Cross, stopping only at Footscray.[36] On weekends and public holidays, there are a total of three services per day—two local and one express service.[36]
Train services on the line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle coach services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters.[37]
Stopping patterns
[edit]Legend — Station status
- ◼ Premium Station – Station staffed from first to last train
- ◻ Host Station – Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network.
Legend — Stopping patterns
- ● – All trains stop
- ◐ – Some services do not stop
- ▲ – Only inbound trains stop
- ▼ – Only outbound trains stop
- | – Trains pass and do not stop
Warrnambool Services[38] | |||
---|---|---|---|
Station | Express | Local down | Local up |
◼ Southern Cross | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
◼ Footscray | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
Deer Park | | | | | ◐ |
◼ Tarneit | | | ▼ | ▲ |
◼ Wyndham Vale | | | ▼ | ▲ |
Little River | | | ◐ | | |
◻ Lara | | | ▼ | ▲ |
Corio | | | ◐ | ▲ |
North Shore | | | ▼ | ▲ |
◻ North Geelong | ◐ | ▼ | ▲ |
◼ Geelong | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
◼ South Geelong | ◐ | ▼ | ▲ |
◻ Marshall | ◐ | ▼ | ◐ |
◼ Waurn Ponds | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
◻ Winchelsea | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
Birregurra | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
◻ Colac | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
◻ Camperdown | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
Terang | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
Sherwood Park | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
◼ Warrnambool | ● | ▼ | ▲ |
On-board amenities
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Interior_of_N-type_economy_carriage_%E2%80%94_March_2022_%282%29.jpg/220px-Interior_of_N-type_economy_carriage_%E2%80%94_March_2022_%282%29.jpg)
The Warrnambool service is classified by V/Line as a long-distance service, subsequently adding additional amenities to the service. Standard on all V/Line services, toilets and luggage racks are available in addition to other amenities.[39] On locomotive hauled long-distance services (N-class carriages), each train typically has two economy carriages with a total of 176 seats in a 3+2 configuration and one first class carriage with 52 seats in a 2+2 configuration as well as a luggage compartment.[39] Cafe facilities are also available on-board all Warrnambool services serving a range of pre-made warm goods, pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks, as well as drinks.[40] From late 2023, VLocity trains will be introduced on the line replacing outdated N-class carriages. The new trains won't have a first class but might have a cafe facility.[41] Quiet carriages aren't available on locomotive hauled services, but once VLocity's are introduced from late 2023 the feature will be present on board.[40]
Operators
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/48/S302wcr.jpg/220px-S302wcr.jpg)
Prior to V/Line taking back operation of the Warrnambool service from West Coast Railway in 2004, there had been 3 previous operators. The majority of operations on the line have been government run, with these operators including the Victorian Railways, the State Transport Authority, and the Public Transport Corporation.[42]
Operator | Assumed operations | Ceased operations | Length of operations |
---|---|---|---|
Victorian Railways | 1876 | 1983 | 107 years |
State Transport Authority (V/Line) | 1983 | 1989 | 6 years |
Public Transport Corporation (V/Line) | 1989 | 1993 | 4 years |
West Coast Railway | 1993 | 2004 | 11 years |
V/Line Passenger | 2004 | 2010 | 6 years |
V/Line | 2010 | incumbent | 14 years (ongoing) |
Route
[edit]The Warrnambool line forms a somewhat curved route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus. The route is 267.3 kilometres (166.1 mi) long and is doubled tracked up until Waurn Ponds where it narrows to one track. Exiting the city, the Warrnambool line traverses somewhat flat country. Past Waurn Ponds the line begins to curve due to the natural terrain. On track constructed as part of the Regional Rail Link, there are numerous cuttings and embankments designed to eliminate new level crossings.[26] After Wyndham Vale, the line has many level crossings especially past Waurn Ponds station.
The line follows the same alignment as the Geelong line with the two services separating after Waurn Ponds. The Warrnambool line continues onto Warrnambool whereas the Geelong line terminates at Waurn Ponds.[43] The track up to Waurn Ponds primarily travels through built-up suburbs, industrial areas, and some farm land.[44] After Waurn Ponds, the line travels through open countryside and through small regional towns. The portion of the line before Waurn Ponds is one of Melbourne and Victoria's main growth corridors, where farmland is being replaced with housing and commercial developments, leading to a rise in patronage.[45]
Stations
[edit]The line serves 21 stations across 267.3 kilometres (166.1 mi) of track. The stations are a mix of lowered and ground level designs. The only station that isn't at ground level is Wyndham Vale which was constructed in a lowered fashion as part of the Regional Rail Link in 2015.[46]
Station | Opened[48][49] | Closed[48][49] | Age | Notes[48][49] |
---|---|---|---|---|
Southern Cross | 17 January 1859 | 165 years |
| |
Footscray | 24 September 1900 | 123 years | ||
Sunshine | 7 September 1885 | 138 years |
| |
Deer Park | 2 April 1884 | 140 years |
| |
Tarneit | 15 June 2015 | 9 years | ||
Wyndham Vale | 15 June 2015 | 9 years | ||
Wyndham Vale South Sidings | ? |
| ||
Manor | 2 February 1911 | 1 November 1970 | 59 years | |
Mambourin | November 1888 | 1893 | 4 years |
|
Little River | 1 January 1957 | 67 years |
| |
Lara | 1 November 1856 | 167 years |
| |
Elders IXL Siding | 12 March 1986 | 2010 | 24 years | |
Geelong Grammar Siding | 24 May 1955 | 112 years | ||
Corio | 15 September 1890 | 133 years |
| |
Distillers Siding | 14 February 1928 | c. 21 February 1987 | Approx. 59 years | |
North Shore | 15 April 1895 | 129 years |
| |
Harbour Trust Sidings | 8 March 1909 | 115 years | ||
North Geelong Yard | 28 January 1885 | 139 years | ||
North Geelong | 1 August 1883 | 141 years |
| |
Geelong Locomotive Depot | 20 May 1917 | 107 years | ||
Cunningham Pier | ? | ? |
| |
Geelong | 1 November 1856 | 167 years | ||
South Geelong | 1 November 1883 | 140 years | ||
Geelong Racecourse (2nd) | 1 January 1911 | 19 October 2005 | 94 years |
|
Breakwater | 28 December 1889 | 6 March 1895 | 5 years | |
25 June 1895 | 12 August 1898 | 3 years | ||
Marshall | 14 July 1879 | 17 February 1964 | 84 years |
|
26 April 2005 | 19 years | |||
Geelong Racecourse (1st) | 26 January 1877 | c. January 1878 | Approx. 11 months |
|
22 January 1878 | 13 January 1906 | 27 years |
| |
Grovedale | c. 25 November 1876 | 1954 | Approx. 77 years |
|
Duneed | c. 25 November 1876 | 26 July 1921 | Approx. 44 years | |
Waurn Ponds | 12 October 2014 | 9 years | ||
Waurn Ponds Cement Siding | 22 March 1963 | 31 May 2021 | 58 years | |
Waurn Ponds Stabling Sidings | 27 February 2023 | 17 months | ||
Pettavel | ? | 22 August 1952 | ? |
|
Moriac | 1 October 1877 | 5 October 1982 | 105 years |
|
Buckley | ? | 17 October 1955 | ? |
|
Winchelsea | 25 November 1876 | 147 years | ||
Armytage | 24 August 1911 | 12 November 1956 | 45 years | |
Birregurra | 13 March 1877 | 147 years | ||
Warncoort | 13 March 1877 | 22 August 1958 | 81 years | |
Irrewarra | 1 October 1877 | 22 August 1958 | 80 years | |
CRB Siding | 1927 | ? | ? | |
Shell Oil Company | ? | December 1975 | ? | |
Colac | 27 July 1877 | 147 years | ||
Larpent | ? | ? | ? | |
Pirron Yallock | ? | 5 October 1982 | ? | |
Stoneyford | ? | 17 October 1955 | ? | |
Pomborneit | ? | 14 August 1978 | ? | |
Weerite | ? | 22 July 1975 | ? | |
Camperdown | 2 July 1883 | 141 years | ||
Boorcan | 23 April 1887 | 5 October 1982 | 95 years | |
Terang | 23 April 1887 | 137 years | ||
Garvoc | ? | 30 January 1966 | ? | |
Panmure | 4 February 1890 | 5 October 1982 | 92 years | |
Cudgee | ? | 26 September 1960 | ? | |
Allansford | ? | 5 October 1982 | ? | |
Sherwood Park | 19 February 2006 | 18 years | ||
Warrnambool Caltex Oil Sidings | 27 November 1946 | 1966 | 19 years | |
Warrnambool Pier | c. 1890 | ? | ? | |
Warrnambool | 4 February 1890 | 134 years | ||
Briquette Siding | ? | ? | ? | |
Westvic Siding | ? | ? |
Infrastructure
[edit]Rolling stock
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/N467_N458_Top%27n%27Tail_North_Melbourne.jpg/220px-N467_N458_Top%27n%27Tail_North_Melbourne.jpg)
The Warrnambool service uses N class diesel-electric locomotives with N-class carriages operating in a three five-car set, with two doors per side on each carriage and can accommodate of up to 88 economy passengers or 52 first class passengers in one individual car configuration. The locomotives were originally built between 1985 and 1987 for V/Line by Clyde Engineering with a total of 25 produced. The locomotives are shared with other V/Line long-distance regional services and have been in service since 1985. In addition to locomotives, VicRail N-class carriages are also in use by V/Line. The carriage sets have both first class in a 2+2 seating arrangement and economy seating in a 2+3 arrangement. Snack bar facilities are also provided on board alongside toilets, drinking fountains, and luggage areas. Originally delivered as three-car sets, some sets were extended in length with Z type carriages.
Alongside the passenger trains, Port Fairy line tracks and equipment are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The two types of engineering trains are: the shunting train, designed for moving trains along non-electrified corridors and for transporting other maintenance locomotives; and the infrastructure evaluation carriage designed for general infrastructure evaluation including track and electrical infrastructure (if travelling along electrified corridors).[50] Most of these trains are repurposed locomotives previously used by V/Line, Metro Trains, and the Southern Shorthaul Railroad.[50]
Planned rolling stock
[edit]![Modern train at platform](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/319A4914.jpg/220px-319A4914.jpg)
Upon the completion of Stage 2 of the Warrnambool line upgrade as part of the Regional Rail Revival project in late 2023, the Warrnambool service will be able to use long-distance VLocity trains.[30] VLocity trains operate in a three-car configuration (with the ability to be configured up to 6 cars or 9 (on select segments only)) with two doors per side on each carriage and a seating capacity of 222 seats per three car set in a 2+2 configuration.[51] There are two types of interior layouts: commuter (with seating, toilets, and luggage racks) and long distance (with seating, toilets, a kiosk style cafe, and luggage racks).[2] Unlike existing long distance locomotive hauled trains, first class isn't available on board the long distance VLocity trains.[41] Long distance VLocity's are currently in operation on all other long-distance lines to some extent, with more progressively being delivered. The trains have been continuously built at Alstom's Dandenong factory in Melbourne's south-east since 2004.[52]
Accessibility
[edit]![](http://178.128.105.246/cars-http-upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Marshall-station-geelong.jpg/220px-Marshall-station-geelong.jpg)
In compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, all stations that are new-built or rebuilt are fully accessible and comply with these guidelines.[53] The majority of stations on the corridor are fully accessible, however, there are some stations that haven't been upgraded to meet these guidelines.[54] These stations do feature ramps, however, they have a gradient greater than 1 in 14.[54] Stations that are fully accessible feature ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14, have at-grade paths, or feature lifts.[54] These stations typically also feature tactile boarding indicators, independent boarding ramps, wheelchair accessible myki barriers, hearing loops, and widened paths.[54][55]
Projects improving station accessibility have included the Regional Rail Revival (RRL) program, which involves station rebuilds and upgrades.[56] These works have made significant strides in improving network accessibility, with more than 80% of the stations on the line classed as fully accessible. This number is expected to grow within the coming years as works progress on the RRL.[57]
Signalling
[edit]The Port Fairy line uses a combination of different signalling types due to the length of the line. From the city to North Geelong the line uses Automatic and Track Control, to Geelong Automatic Block Signalling, to Waurn Ponds Track Block, and to Warrnambool Train Order Working.[58]
Line guide
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See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Warrnambool – Melbourne via Colac & Geelong". Public Transport Victoria. Archived from the original on 7 September 2018. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
- ^ a b Ford, Jeff (20 June 2018). "Buffets On VLocitys" (PDF). RTBU Express. Rail, Tram and Bus Union Victorian Branch. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
- ^ a b c "Closed Line – Dennington to Port Fairy". Newsrail. Australian Railway Historical Society. June 1998. p. 185.
- ^ a b Regional Rail Link to Streamline Train Services Archived 9 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine Premier of Victoria 8 December 2008
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (14 December 2022). "Now arriving: Warrnambool's 5th weekday return service". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
- ^ a b c Victoria’s Big Build (3 October 2022). "Geelong Fast Rail". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ "Rail Geelong – Geelong Line History". railgeelong.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
- ^ a b "The Geelong Story" (PDF). History Victoria. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 June 2006. Retrieved 7 June 2006.
- ^ "Geelong Line Duplication". Geelong Advertiser. 14 December 1928. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
- ^ "25 Mar 1980 – CONTRACTS ARRANGED – Trove". Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (1 May 2023). "South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
- ^ "Sprinters launched as V/Line franchises let" Railway Gazette International June 1993 page 367
- ^ Agreement for the Supply of Passenger Train Services between Warrnambool and Melbourne Archived 18 September 2004 at the Wayback Machine Victorian Government
- ^ International2001-09-01T10:00:00, Railway Gazette. "Connex still expanding". Railway Gazette International. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Clarification From Connex Re: TranzScenic". Scoop. 10 December 2021. Archived from the original on 2 January 2022. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
- ^ "Intelligence" Railway Gazette International December 2003 page 763
- ^ "Rail Geelong – Marshall Station". railgeelong.com. Archived from the original on 28 October 2007. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
- ^ "Public transport – Regional railway station projects". www.doi.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 4 June 2009. Retrieved 28 March 2008.
- ^ "Extra train service for the Warrnambool Line". Warrnambool Standard. 27 April 2016. Archived from the original on 3 April 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
- ^ "Observations". Newsrail. 47 (3). Australian Railway Historical Society: 82. March 2019.
- ^ "Countdown To Cheaper Regional Fares For Victorians | Premier of Victoria". www.premier.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ "Regional fare cap". Public Transport Victoria. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ "Fairer regional fares for Victoria". V/Line – Regional public transport for Victoria. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ "V/Line commuters abandon trips to regional Victoria to avoid 'uncomfortable' journey". ABC News. 14 April 2023. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ Visontay, Elias; Transport, Elias Visontay; reporter, urban affairs (30 March 2023). "Victorian daily regional train fare cap to slash costs but fears of overcrowding". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 21 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ a b "New timetables from Sunday June 21 – Geelong" (Press release). Geelong: V/Line. n.d. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (7 July 2023). "Robinsons Road, Deer Park". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (9 June 2023). "Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (7 July 2023). "Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 10 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ a b Victoria’s Big Build (6 February 2023). "Warrnambool Line Upgrade". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
- ^ "New Services On The Warrnambool Line In December | Premier of Victoria". www.premier.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ Chan, Ray (2 November 2022). "Extra service for Warrnambool Line". Rail Express. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ a b Victoria’s Big Build (30 November 2022). "Stage 2". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 14 May 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (29 November 2022). "Western Rail Plan". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (27 January 2021). "Faster rail services for Geelong on the way". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 8 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Where do train replacement buses come from?". ABC News. 15 November 2016. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
- ^ "V/Line Train & Coach timetables". V/Line – Regional public transport for Victoria. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Media Release: NEW LOOK V/LINE FLEET TAKES TO THE TRACKS". www.dpc.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2008.
- ^ a b "On board with V/Line". V/Line – Regional public transport for Victoria. Archived from the original on 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ a b Department of Transport (23 April 2020). "Design unveiled for new North East VLocity trains". transport.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- ^ "V/Line Background". vline.com.au. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 27 March 2008.
- ^ Stephen Moynihan (5 May 2007). "The Age – 'Network hits 50-year high as commuters crowd on'". The Age. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 21 August 2007. Retrieved 25 May 2007.
- ^ "Wyndham Vale | Victorian Places". www.victorianplaces.com.au. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
- ^ Higgins, Billy (7 November 2022). "Village plan for controversial Waurn Ponds block". Geelong Times. Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
- ^ "Regional Rail Revival". 30 April 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "What year did your railway station open? | Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia)". 3 August 2018. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ a b c "VICSIG". vicsig.net. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ a b c "Rail Geelong – Welcome". Rail Geelong. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ a b "NETWORK SERVICE PLAN | Addenda". 1 February 2011. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011.
- ^ Wong, Marcus. "New style interior onboard VL00: yellow poles and the same fabric as all of the other refurbished V/Line trains". Wongm's Rail Gallery. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
- ^ "Bracks invests". Railway Gazette. 1 April 2000. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
- ^ "Accessibility – Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria". www.ptovic.com.au. Archived from the original on 3 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Station accessibility features". Metro Trains Melbourne. 2023. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
- ^ "Accessing public transport". City of Melbourne. n.d. Archived from the original on 6 December 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
- ^ Victoria’s Big Build (14 December 2022). "Now arriving: Warrnambool's 5th weekday return service". Victoria’s Big Build. Archived from the original on 13 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
- ^ "Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025". Public Transport Victoria. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
- ^ Dornan, S.E.; Henderson, R.G. (1979). Electric Railways of Victoria. Australian Electric Traction Society. p. 20. ISBN 0-909459-06-1.
External links
[edit]- Warrnambool line timetable
- Network map
Media related to Warrnambool V/Line rail service at Wikimedia Commons