A VLocity train is set to run on the Warrnambool line for the first time this weekend but it won’t take any passengers.
There has been much talk about the poor quality of the VLocity trains over longer distances with Public Transport Victoria failing to acknowledge the issues including overcrowding, uncomfortable seats, noisy diesel engines and poor onboard service.
Most who use the aging design regularly are at a loss to explain why Warrnambool City Council has been pushing so hard for these awful trains. Long distance trains locomotive hauled with on board service is a bare minimum for a longer distance service over 3+ hours in 2024.
Vibewire reported recently on the pending reopening of the railway line to Warrnambool.
So the first test train to Warrnambool a Vol and the right weather conditions as the weather going to bit mushy this weekend…..
It may be put the Velocities though it’s paces!
I understand that area is swamp land it get a bit messy track wise hopefully the upgrade resolved that issue after a wet spell, As I noticed on pervious recent rides before occo took place they do all this fine work, only after a period of heavy rain, it get rather rough at 108kms for N sets and speed up wear and tear…like to see how velocities will handle this at 120-130 kms…
TBA….
But it seems the decisions are made by people who don’t really ride the system on those newer trains
Why can’t we get something like the QR Tilt train if we want modern high speed trains?
I like to see 6 car set up with passengers isolated away from the motor trailers similar to the aging XPT….
Yeah, at least create a new generation of regional trains, especially for long distance, instead of reusing a two decade old commuter train to literally replace everything (excluding Sprinters).
I agree…..something like the QR Tilt train or modernised version of the aging XPT, just get something suitable for replacing the aging N sets as the Velocities are not fit for purpose, but these people are so bull headed to use a 20 plus design as a once size fits all…..
The state’s broke due to budget cuts, the not going ahead with buffets on the Vols, it madness to rely one design for newer trains for Vic , QR uses 3 different train designs each one suited for certain travelling requirements!
Alstom makes many type of trains overseas but we only have one design…..