Geelong welcomes more trains

Passengers will have access to 31 extra Geelong train line services every week thanks to new train stabling facilities in Waurn Ponds.

The State Government’s newly built train stabling yard in Waurn Ponds has allowed for extra services by providing storage for trains overnight.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carrol said there would be 21 extra services for the South Geelong and Marshall stations and 26 additional services to the Waurn Ponds Station.

“The new Waurn Ponds stabling facility provides the extra storage we need to start and finish trains at Waurn Ponds, allowing more services for the growing communities south of Geelong,” he said.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the new facility also allowed extended train services in the morning and evening peaks that would begin operation on May 28.

“We’re continuing to improve services for passengers on Victoria’s busiest regional rail line,” she said.

“Giving the growing Geelong community better access to more reliable, frequent and affordable public transport.”

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said there was also major construction coming up on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication, enabling more services in Geelong.

“The new train stabling facility will support the important upgrades being delivered on the Geelong Line,” he said.

Works include the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication project will deliver eight kilometres of duplicated track, station upgrades, level crossing removals and more than five kilometres of new walking and cycling paths.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said she was happy to see more train services and improvements for the Geelong region.

“Adding these extended services for South Geelong, along with the major upgrades happening at the station, will make train travel an even more appealing option for locals,” she said.