UPGRADES to the Shepparton line will transform the region, enabling high-speed travel between Melbourne and Shepparton for the very first time.
VLocity trains are the newest and fastest train in the V/Line fleet. Travellers will benefit from improved features including mobile signal boosting for better phone coverage and greater accessibility for those with mobility aids or prams.
Due to the increased length of the new VLocity trains, a new stabling facility is required to house these trains. The stabling facility is where the trains are cleaned and prepared for their service. Without adequate stabling facilities, trains must travel long distances without passengers, reducing the number of services that can run.
The new site for the stabling facility is located on Grahamvale Road, Shepparton. This location will enable the stabling tracks to be located within the rail corridor. The driver facilities are proposed to be located on privately owned land adjacent to the rail line.
The Shepparton site has operational and technical advantages over other shortlisted sites. Because the site is in an industrial area, community disruption and environmental impacts will be minimised, including noise and visual impacts. Furthermore, being close to Shepparton train station means no further track upgrades are required.
Six of the new trains will be allocated to the Northeast line – the first standard gauge VLocitys to run on Victoria’s regional rail lines – with the remainder to be used across Victoria’s busiest regional rail lines.
