- Published:
- Sunday 20 August 2023
V/Line is celebrating 40 years of getting Victorians around our state – marking a major milestone for the regional rail operator.
Geelong regional driver and supervisor John Mitchell has driven with V/Line for 40 years. He said V/Line had grown from a small state railway system to a large operator servicing communities far and wide.
Today, V/Line has more than 2,250 rail and 1,500 coach services operating every week, with the 107th modern VLocity train recently being introduced into service and regional fare caps bringing equity for regional travellers.
The V/Line brand was launched on 21 August 1983 by then-Transport Minister Steve Crabb with a bright orange train uniform and green and white V/Line logo at Spencer Street Station.
While the regional rail operator has modernised over the past 40 years, its dedication to connecting regional Victorians has stayed the same – and the Andrews Labor Government’s record investment in regional public transport is only adding to the significant transformation of the regional network.
This year’s Budget included $219.4 million towards the introduction of additional passenger services, $601 million to deliver 23 new VLocity trains and $322 million towards Stage 2 of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility project.
The $4 billion Regional Rail Revival program is upgrading every passenger rail line across the state, delivering faster and more frequent connections right across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll
“V/Line has had a huge impact on Victorians over the past 40 years, providing critical connections across the state and supporting regional Victorians and their communities.”
“The regional fare cap is one of the biggest changes we’ve seen at V/Line in the past 40 years – we’ve delivered fare equity between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne to help the community move around our state and support families’ bottom line.”
Quote attributable to V/Line Chief Executive Officer Matt Carrick
“Today is an important day to reflect on our proud history of serving the Victorian community for the past 40 years and with so much investment in the regional rail network, the future is bright for V/Line and our passengers.”
Quotes attributable to Geelong Regional Driver Supervisor John Mitchell
“I’ve never regretted a day on the job at V/Line. Every day you are here is a good day – it’s really been a fantastic journey. The metal ice box that I used to drive from in winter or the hot box in summer is so different – today it’s comfortable and modern.”