The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than half-a-billion-dollars to fix the Ballarat line and run extra services it needs as it grows.

Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, travelled to Ballarat today to discuss the comprehensive upgrade of the Ballarat line unveiled yesterday as part of the Victorian Budget 2016/17.

The $518 million upgrade will duplicate the Ballarat line from Deer Park to Melton and build additional passing loops, to make the corridor more reliable and increase the number of services to and from Ballarat.

The project includes the duplication of a 17-kilometre section of single track between Deer Park West and Melton, paving the way for the future electrification of the line to Melton.

Three kilometres of track west of Warrenheip will also be duplicated, and three additional crossing loops will be built at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and near Bungaree.

These loops will provide more ways for trains to pass each other, which will help services recover from unexpected delays more quickly, boosting reliability and punctuality.

This package of works will enable two extra services in the morning and afternoon peak, and a train every 40 minutes off-peak. New stabling facilities will be built at Melton and Rowsley to house the extra carriages needed.

These services will be bolstered by the Labor Government’s $280 million investment in 27 new V/Locity carriages, which will create space for 2000 extra passengers across the regional network.

Second platforms will be built at Bacchus Marsh and Ballan stations, the existing platforms at Rockbank Station will be extended and sealed car park will be built on the south-side of Rockbank Station.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in better services for Ballarat, so passengers spend less time on platforms and more time with loved ones.”

“Ballarat is growing and the quality and capacity of its train network needs to grow with it. That’s why we’re investing $518 million in better tracks, and more than $280 million in regional trains.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

“This investment by the Andrews Labor Government will deliver more services on the Ballarat line and improve punctuality for people travelling to and from Ballarat.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“This is the major upgrade of the Ballarat line that previous Governments have talked about but never delivered. The excuses stop now – we’re getting it done.”