Petition to prevent the introduction of substandard Vlocity trains on the Warrnambool Line

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly

Issue:

We, the undersigned, are concerned about the proposed introduction of new V/Line Velocity train sets on the Melbourne to Warrnambool line. The state government’s current plan to introduce three-carriage trains will result in a significant reduction in service capacity when compared to the existing N-class train sets, which provide more space and better amenities. This reduction will negatively impact travellers from the southwest region, who already face limited public transport services.

Vlocity trains are not designed and have never been designed for longer distance rail services around Victoria. They are a short distance based, noisy and cramped and uncomfortable DMU format and should never have been planned for journeys exceeding 2 hours on the network.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly calls on the Government to ensure that the new V/Line Vlocity train sets match or exceed the capacity and amenities of the current N-class train sets. We call for the proposed three-carriage trains to be replaced with six-carriage sets with the same amenities as the current N-class train sets to meet the needs of growing southwest communities and maintain service standards.

https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/train-sets-on-the-melbourne-to-warrnambool-line

22 thoughts on “Petition to prevent the introduction of substandard Vlocity trains on the Warrnambool Line

  1. Beside a Petition those MPs pushing for this petition to go through need convince the Transport Minister and her followers to pack their Lap Tops, food, drinks get out their offices for the day and take the 10:13 Vols
    service to Warrnambool and back again to Southern Cross 18:45 in uncontrolled setting, sharing the service with other passengers on board and see how passenger fair on these newer trains….

    And most interestingly see if their thoughts of making regional traveller endure the ill thought out design framework of these not fit for purpose train doing a 4 hour journey to Warrnambool when they themselves experience the same issue they do on route!

    As currently the don’t care as they are not personally affected by the decisions they make on the regional traveller behalf as they have tax funded cars to travel around in!

    1. Who is responsible for rolling stock contracts is it the PTV or V/Line?

      The decision to keep buying terrible diesel based rail cars is only due to the jobs at Dandenong. The factory could be used to build better trains for longer distance as bombardier is now owned by Alstom. They could also use another base like Ballarat east for the longer distance alstom sets.

      1. Billy,I have found v/line follow PTV and state gov…..

        It seems a bunch of non qualified people have bigger say than the people using them!

        It’s all wrong, they are public servants they are meant to ensure good transport services for the regional travellers.

        Instead they make most inward thinking ,short sighted decisions…..all because most of them are not proud enough to use rail system in any form in for rail conferences…..most go by air or car!

        1. Who is qualified to make important strategic decisions on rolling stock purchasing in the Government? Someone is responsible who?

          Where is the minister in all of this?

  2. Happy to NOT sign the petition here. Bloody whingers, I guess 4 hours sound more dramatic than the actual 3.5 hours that the travelling time actually is.

      1. I’ll have you know that I regularly travel on every V/Line rail service and often the bus services as well. I use V/Line in preference to driving my car and I livce 80Km from melbourne.

        Have you travelled on the overnight bus to Mildura? I bet you don’t even know it exists!

        1. Weak……tell me something I don’t know Mike! You are not only person who know about the Mildura Buses and???

          Fact is some second world nations Rail systems put Vic to shame, so get back in your lane!

        1. Mike you travel 80kms from Melbourne???

          That’s nothing!!!

          Thanks confriming your a short distance traveller!!!

          Melb to Swan Hill but train is not 80 kms!!!

          Try 300km +approx from Melb!!!

          1. 80 kms is not a lot of distance compared to over 300kms. No wonder he is happy with the service. Ballan?

  3. Any journey that exceeds two hours needs to be in railway carriages that at least match the standard of the current N sets. The current Vlosity railmotors are only good for journeys of two hours or less. They are really no better standard of comfort than the average suburban EMU

    1. This comment reflects my thoughts exactly how lazy are the management of V/Line they cannot work this out or do not want this to work. The complaints are building.

        1. Start by contacting the Warrnambool Council. Also contact the standard and they will tell you. Reading will do you the world of good. You keep commenting but don’t really use long distance services. Brad.

    2. You are correct John. Who is running and making these stupid decisions at V/Line they just don’t listen and they don’t make great decisions.

    3. Clearly you aren’t travelling in V’Locity’s or if you are, you aren’t travelling on any of the METRO EMU’s to compare them with. The N Sets are terrible to travel in when crowded which is often. Three across seating, dirty and smelly, non DDA compliant toilets, slow and noisy.

      1. Mike Done both Vols and the old N set are the benchmark of acceptable standard for long durations rail travel FACT of exceeding 2.5 hrs +!

        The Vol are a interurban standard rolling stock not suited for long duration continuous operation fact is 3×2 set reduced 3×1 indicates it not working and breaking down since they are forced to operate beyond their mechanical capabilities replacing the aging N Sets!!!

        Noise is subjective the vols are over 108 decibels at speed on around with constant roaring vibration and squealing during braking at stations is not good travelling conditions for people travelling more 3.2 hrs one way to Warrnambool!

        If people have some hidden hearing loss of cause it not loud for them!

        the smelly WC is because some passenger are pigs on board and mess it up on route….

        I know the cleaning staff clean them regularly!

        And Mobility access is luxury is some countries rail system overseas, their attitudes are can’t move or get around properly near the stations ? stay at home!!!

        Seen this in some HK and Asia areas stairs everywhere near the stations thou very modern and you got be fit physically!

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