Community
12 December, 2024
V/Line begins reservation-only trial
V/LINE has announced the beginning of a reservation-only seating trail for all Warrnambool Line services throughout summer.
The trial began from last Friday and will continue through to the end February, in a move V/Line has said will give passengers more certainty over seating availability and boost confidence in planning travel over the busy period.
Under the trial, if all seats are booked on a service, passengers would then have the option of purchasing an unreserved ticket, which alerts them that they may have to stand for all or part of their journey.
A selection of unreserved tickets will also be available for sale online to provide more options for passengers who miss out on a reserved seat.
V/Line staff recently sought in-person and online feedback about reserved seating on the Warrnambool Line from almost 1900 people, with more than 80 per cent of passengers saying a reserved seat was important to them.
A V/Line spokesperson said Warrnambool Line services have proved extremely popular in recent weeks, in particular on weekend services, as people continue to take advantage of the Victorian Government’s regional fare cap.
“The overwhelming majority of Warrnambool Line passengers want greater certainty around seating over the busy summer period and that’s what this fully reserved seating trial will do,” the spokesperson said.
“With extra services, more reliable trains and fully reserved seating, we’re working hard to support Warrnambool Line passengers with their travel needs, ensuring they can attend major events, visit family and friends or explore Victoria during the summer holiday season.”
V/Line reports a similar trial of reservation-only seating was introduced on the Albury Line in late 2023, which it said was well-received by passengers and is now in place for the long-term.
V/Line’s fleet of more modern, reliable and accessible VLocity trains have started serving the Warrnambool Line.
Three return services a day are running as VLocity trains and a fourth weekend return service has been introduced to help boost capacity as part of a new Warrnambool Line timetable.
A fifth service will be introduced in 2025, as part of the Victorian Government's commitment to almost 200 extra weekend services.
Warrnambool Line passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve a seat for all long-distance services by booking online, at a staffed V/Line or premium Metro station, by calling 1800 800 007 or by visiting a retail ticket agent.
Receiving a ticket to travel on the Warrnambool Line is now easier than ever with passengers given the option to have their ticket delivered as an eTicket, while the option of purchasing a paper ticket also remains available.
Passengers with mobility aids can also now reserve a space for their mobility aid during the booking process.
Special provision will be made during the trial to ensure sufficient seating is available for passengers who have a requirement to sit for their journey.
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