Community
25 July, 2024
Performance declines as buses replace trains
V/LINE performance slowed as the final stretch of major works setunderway on the Warrnambool line.
V/LINE performance slowed as the final stretch of major works get underway on the Warrnambool line.
Throughout June 93.1 per cent of scheduled services ran on the line, slightly below V/Line’s performance target of 96 per cent.
Punctuality dipped to 41.7 per cent of services measured on time within 11 minutes of planned arrival and departure, below the target of 92 per cent, due to ongoing upgrades to the line.
Coaches are replacing Warrnambool Line trains until Sunday, August 25 as major works take place during winter as part of stage two of the Warrnambool Line Upgrade.
This includes upgrades to train detection technology at 53 public level crossings along the line.
A V/Line spokesperson said crews have now completed upgrades on 36 level crossings to make them compatible with VLocity trains, with the remaining 17 to be completed during the current construction blitz.
“Major works are underway as we complete upgrades to the Warrnambool Line, which will enable modern, reliable VLocity trains to run to and from Warrnambool for the first time,” the spokesperson said.
“We thank passengers for their patience and understanding as coaches replace trains and encourage them to check the V/Line website to plan their journeys.”
During this blitz, V/Line crews will replace about 70,000 sleepers between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool, replacing ballast and carrying out resurfacing works and track upgrades to ensure the ongoing upkeep of the line.
Works at some occupation crossings will also continue during Spring, as part of efforts to improve safety along the line ahead of VLocity trains being introduced.
Major construction on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication will also be completed while trains aren’t running on the line, with more than eight kilometres of duplicated track being installed to improve reliability on the line for Geelong and Warrnambool passengers.
Track Force Protection and temporary speed restrictions were in place along sections of the line to ensure the safety of workers, while allowing trains to run at the same time, prior to the construction blitz commencing on June 14.
V/Line is working to finalise the service plan for the progressive introduction of VLocity trains onto the Warrnambool Line and will keep the community updated closer to the arrival of the milestone.
Passengers are encouraged to check the V/Line website to view temporary coach replacement timetables.