The Victorian Government is continuing its massive investment in regional passenger rail and boosting Victorian jobs, with 18 VLocity trains now being made locally to improve services across the state.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll today announced the latest order of regional trains is now under construction at Dandenong-based manufacturer Bombardier, supporting 100 direct local jobs and hundreds more through the local supply chain.

With an investment of $340 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, this new order will include 12 broad-gauge trains to improve capacity on Victoria’s busiest regional lines and six standard-gauge trains for the North East line, which is currently being upgraded.

The broad-gauge trains have been designed for both short and medium distance services and will include a facelift including modified drivers’ cab, dedicated storage area for bicycles and accessibility improvements.

The long-haul standard-gauge trains will begin to replace the aging classic fleet on the North East line next year, providing passengers with a more modern, comfortable journey between Melbourne and Albury.

Incorporating feedback from passengers and V/Line staff, the standard-gauge trains will feature built-in USB chargers, shared tables, dedicated spaces for luggage and bikes, modern catering and food facilities and six accessible spaces for people who use mobility aids with companion seats nearby.

All the new VLocity trains also include mobile phone signal boosters to deliver improved coverage for passengers throughout their journeys.

The new standard gauge VLocity trains will start taking passengers after the North East Line Upgrade is complete and they have undergone rigorous testing.

The Victorian Government has delivered a 40 per cent increase in regional rail services since 2015, with V/Line now running more than 2,000 services every week.