The arrival of Warrnambool’s VLocity trains are on a spring deadline with Premier Jacinta Allan promising new carriages will roll out when the winter blitz of track work is completed.
Warrnambool rail users should prepare themselves for poor service, noisy carriages and terrible seats.
The Vlocity train sets are just too old a design and are not fit for a longer distance journey. Albury services have a revised design of the V/Locity platform including on train catering that does not work very well and is not easily accessible for the entire train. The train journey between Melbourne and Albury typically takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours.
Testing of the new Warrnambool line upgrades is expected toward the end of August 2024. The changes to the timetable will include the introduction of V/Locity trains on some services.
The train journey between Melbourne and Warrnambool typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 45 minutes. The exact duration can vary depending on the specific service and any potential delays along the route. Yet these trains will not have upgraded seats and no on train catering services.
Are we going to have snack bars and amenities on the trains for a 3 hour journey to Warrnambool like they do for Albury. VLocity sets are not long distance services these are reserved for loco hauled trains with coaches.
No Budget cut got in the way…..I got screen shot of the Vic Parliamentary minutes, they or aka Gabrielle Willams MP was asked on this issue of buffet on the BG Velocities: unquote :
Gabrielle WILLIAMS: You referenced buffet cars, Mr O’Brien, as well. It is important to note, as we are
trying to boost capacity on these lines as well, a buffet car represents about 42 seats lost in a three-car carriage
set and about 84 on a six-car carriage set –
Danny O’BRIEN: That is why I asked why you did not go with longer sets.
Gabrielle WILLIAMS: which is why we are maximising the space being able to be used for passengers
through these trains.
Danny O’BRIEN: Will there be any buffet cars on future VLocity services on the long-haul lines?
Gabrielle WILLIAMS: I think on the Albury line, from memory, there is.
Danny O’BRIEN: That is the only one.
Paul YOUNIS: Yes, we have got them on the standard gauge set for the Albury line.
Danny O’BRIEN: So you can do it on the Albury. Why haven’t we got them on the other long-haul services?
Gabrielle WILLIAMS: Because our priority, Mr O’Brien, is to ensure that we can get as many passengers
to where they want to go as possible, and they represent a very significant loss of passenger capacity on these
trains.
The CHAIR: Thank you, Minister.
My Question is, does these people expect people making the decisions on our behalf to go hours on end cramped like cattle without food or drinks on board the newer trains?
It seems these out of touch decision makers do not know what regional train travel is or differentiate the difference between suburban travelling requirements to longer duration regional travelling requirements!!!
With that sort of mentality they might as well put people in box cars or worse!!!
Why do these people got such big say when they hardly qualified to compared the railway profession in various dept and those who speak out are ousted from their jobs?
these comments are from a uninformed people who have tax funded cars and never travel in longer durations trips regularly on our newer trains in uncontrolled setting n whist not doing PR skit for votes!
The VLocity trains, which operate in Victoria, Australia, have faced several criticisms and challenges over the years. Here are some reasons why they have been perceived as problematic by some passengers and critics:
1. **Comfort Issues**: Passengers have reported that the seats in VLocity trains are uncomfortable for longer journeys. The design and cushioning of the seats have been a common point of criticism.
2. **Reliability and Delays**: There have been instances where VLocity trains have faced reliability issues, leading to delays and disruptions in service. Mechanical failures and maintenance problems have occasionally impacted their performance.
3. **Noise Levels**: Some passengers have found the noise levels inside VLocity trains to be higher than desirable, which can make the travel experience less pleasant.
4. **Design Flaws**: There have been concerns about certain design aspects of the VLocity trains. For instance, the absence of toilets in some carriages has been a significant issue for longer trips.
5. **Capacity and Crowding**: During peak times, VLocity trains can become overcrowded, making it difficult for passengers to find seats and leading to an uncomfortable travel experience.
6. **Accessibility Issues**: While improvements have been made, there have been ongoing concerns about the accessibility features of VLocity trains, particularly for passengers with disabilities.
7. **Safety Concerns**: In the past, there have been safety incidents involving VLocity trains, including collisions and derailments, which have raised concerns about their safety features and operational procedures.
8. **Inadequate Facilities**: Passengers have also pointed out the lack of adequate facilities on board, such as power outlets for charging devices, which are now common in modern trains globally.
While these issues highlight the areas where VLocity trains have faced criticism, it’s worth noting that the trains also have positive aspects, such as their speed and efficiency compared to older train models. Efforts have been made to address many of these concerns through upgrades and improvements over time.