WITH the number of seats and carriages across V/Line services declining, regional Victorians are likely to be impacted the most by future public transport options.

While the State Government announced increased funding to V/Line, the 2023-24 annual report has shown a net decrease in rolling stock carriages of 24, as the retirement of loco-hauled carriages are not replaced by VLocity carriages at the same rate.

This follows earlier confirmation that services to Warrnambool, Albury and Bairnsdale are offering 175 fewer seats to passengers, as the previous five-carriage diesel hauled service seated 397 persons, while the new VLocity trains only seats 222 people.

Furthermore, the latest punctuality rate has fallen from 89.1 per cent to 87.4 per cent, well short of the 92 per cent target.

This comes after the State Government cancelled the Geelong Fast Rail project, while patronage has grown to 10.22 million, despite then Premier Daniel Andrews and then Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan declaring the 250 km/h trains were to be the ‘fastest in Australia’ and would slash travel times.

Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Matthew Guy, said, “under Labor, Victorians in regional areas have fewer train carriages available, fewer seats available, and worsening punctuality.”

“VLocity trains are also not fitted with reclining seats, sunshades, or a snack bar, meaning Victorians on longer haul trips have a reduced quality of service and can’t even get a bottle of water,” he said.