March 2018
Sunday, 04 March 2018 09:50
Liberal Nationals get rolling on train renewal
The Bairnsdale rail line will have new-generation faster, more reliable trains with far greater carrying capacity under an elected Liberal Nationals government, which today announced $633 million for complete renewal of all longhaul rolling stock.
Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said this was a fantastic announcement for the many train travellers of East Gippsland.
“The new trains will be quicker and more reliable, getting passengers to Melbourne faster and will have greater carrying capacity to meet our increasing population demands,” he said.
"Currently the four carriage sets carry around 282 passengers, but these six carriage sets will have seats for more than 440.
"With air conditioning that will work and modern buffet facilities, travelling to and from Melbourne will be a much more enjoyable experience. The Nationals in Coalition have worked hard for this and it is very pleasing to have this commitment.
“The condition and punctuality of our existing fleet is something that is raised with me constantly and I have no doubt this announcement today will be broadly welcomed.”
Mr Bull said it was also the intention of the Liberal Nationals to have the trains built in Victoria, which would create hundreds of construction jobs.
“If elected, these trains will be rolled out in our first term in office, gradually replacing the tired rolling stock, which will be phased out of use.
“In total, 16 new new-generation longhaul train sets will be purchased and will operate on all longhaul services including Bairnsdale, Warrnambool, Albury, Shepparton and Swan Hill lines.
“In line with the relatively recent track improvement investments announced by Federal Nationals MP, Darren Chester, I look forward to significant improvements across the board when it comes to rail service punctuality and trip quality,” Mr Bull said.
Caption: Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, says train travellers from East Gippsland will enjoy faster, more reliable trains on the Gippsland line, if the Liberal Nationals are elected in November.
Sunday, March 4, 2018
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