Connecting Regional Victoria

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CONNECTING REGIONAL VICTORIA

VICTORIA’S REGIONAL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN

1 Published by Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources 1 Spring Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Telephone (03) 9208 3799 May 2016 © Copyright State Government of Victoria 2016 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne. Printed by Impact Digital Designed by DEDJTR Design Studio ISBN 978-1-925466-80-5 (Print) ISBN 978-1-925466-81-2 (pdf/online) Disclaimer The information contained in this report is provided for general guidance and assistance only and is not intended as advice. You should make your own inquiries as to the appropriateness and suitability of the information provided. While every effort has been made to ensure the currency, accuracy or completeness of the content we endeavour to keep the content relevant and up to date and reserve the right to make changes as require. The Victorian Government, authors and presenters do not accept any liability to any person for the information (or the use of the information) which is provided or referred to in the report. Except for any logos, emblems, trademarks, artwork and photography this document is made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.

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2 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan CONTENTS

A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER AND THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT 4

01 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

REGIONAL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK 8

GETTING STARTED 11

02 RESPONDING TO CHANGE IN REGIONAL VICTORIA 12

REGIONAL VICTORIA – FUTURE POPULATION 13

03 LISTENING TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES 14

CONVERSATIONS IN NUMBERS 16

04 OUR REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK 18

05 REGIONAL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN 22

STRATEGIC PRIORITY: BUILDING A BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK 24

STRATEGIC PRIORITY: PUTTING PASSENGERS FIRST 30

STRATEGIC PRIORITY: DEVELOPING LOCAL TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS 34

06 REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITIES 39

BARWON SOUTH WEST 40

GIPPSLAND 42

GRAMPIANS 44

HUME 46

LODDON MALLEE 48

07 NEXT STEPS 50

3 A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER AND THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Victoria is growing We’re pleased to present The plan trials a number Connecting Regional Victoria, of new approaches, such faster than Victoria’s first Regional Network as using school buses outside any other state. Development Plan. It is of school times to meet other Our regions are a statewide plan for regional local travel needs, increasing home to about public transport developed services to regional Victoria following an extensive in the peak, carrying bicycles one-quarter of conversation with people, on buses and operating new Victoria’s population businesses, local councils and services that cater for and play a vital role community organisations from seasonal demand at busy in our prosperity. across regional Victoria. times of the year. We have taken the bright We know that public transport ideas and valuable insights is important to our regional of thousands of people from communities because we both regional Victoria to lay out grew up relying on it to access a plan to improve public education, recreation, jobs transport services and and services. connections. The aim of the Regional Network Development Plan is to move away from ad hoc decisions and deliver a better coordinated and integrated public transport network, where train, bus and coach services work together to get people where they need to go.

4 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan

Thank you to all Victorians The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP who contributed to the plan’s Premier of Victoria development. This plan reflects The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP their commitment to better Minister for Public Transport connect their communities Minister for Major Projects and regions. We also thank the Regional Transport Advisory Group members, who provided an invaluable link between government and regional communities. We look forward to an ongoing discussion with communities across regional Victoria as we work to improve these important services. Planning for reliable, accessible and safe public transport services will help Victoria’s regions continue to thrive, while protecting the liveability of our marvellous regional towns and cities.

5 01 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Regional Network WHAT WE HEARD LINKING TO VICTORIA’S Development Plan REGIONAL STATEMENT guides the short, For the first time, regional medium and long communities have been The Victorian Government consulted on the current has released Victoria’s Regional term priorities needed and future public transport Statement, which highlights to modernise the needs of their region. Across the government’s commitment network with more regional Victoria, people told to rural and regional us they want more reliable and track, more trains, communities. The statement more frequent train services. outlines actions and better facilities, They want better connected investments focused on creating and more services. coaches and buses that arrive jobs, unlocking new investment and leave more frequently and ensuring a brighter future to the places they want to It sets out a medium to long for families and communities. go. They want innovative term plan to deliver a modern Improving regional transport solutions to transport, tailored commuter-style service for is a core focus of Victoria’s to the specific needs of their the growth areas of Geelong, Regional Statement. We want communities. They want Bendigo, Ballarat, Seymour to make sure that transport a modern regional transport and Traralgon, and service services match the changing network that gets them improvements to outer travel needs of regional centres where they need to go. regional areas. It outlines and towns. We want to reduce a pathway to deliver: The Victorian Government has travel times for freight and heard regional Victorians. The businesses, and make it easier • a commuter-style service result is a plan that balances for visitors to get to regional with a minimum 20 minute passenger, freight and business Victoria. The Regional Network train frequency in the peak travel needs with each region’s Development Plan supports • a 40 minute off-peak current circumstances and Victoria’s Regional Statement by frequency of services aspirations for the future. identifying actions to improve to Melbourne the public transport network. • five services, five days a week to the outer regional train lines of Warrnambool, Bairnsdale, Albury-Wodonga, Echuca, Swan Hill and Shepparton.

6 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan CONNECTING • improve the experience of public transport passengers REGIONAL VICTORIA by setting a minimum level and quality of service The Regional Network • support the trial of innovative Development Plan’s purpose and more flexible transport is to deliver better connections services, and make better to regional centres, better use of existing assets and connections between centres infrastructure and Melbourne and make it easier for people to move • guide future planning for around regional Victoria and investment in the freight using public transport. and passenger rail network, with a focus on encouraging The plan responds to changing economic development and regional travel needs and job creation sets priorities for regional • support the growing regional public transport services, tourism industry infrastructure and investment. • give communities across The plan aims to: Victoria a say in planning • deliver a better public for future public transport transport network across services in their region. regional Victoria, with new The new plan for public connections, more trains, transport services in regional better stations and improved Victoria will ensure that, bus and coach services together with the road • develop tailored public network, people have access transport priorities and to a well functioning and actions for each region that complete transport network. respond to changing local travel needs and support local infrastructure and services plans

7 REGIONAL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK

1. REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITIES • Barwon South West regional priorities • Gippsland regional priorities • Grampians regional priorities • Hume regional priorities • Loddon Mallee regional priorities

2. KEY PRINCIPLES • Passenger-first approach • Safe, efficient and reliable trips • Supporting social and economic inclusion through good local transport • Growing the regional transport network to meet demand • Connecting communities with opportunities for people to get to work, socialise and access services • Integrated regional public transport network • Efficient use of existing transport assets and resources

3. STRATEGIC NETWORK WIDE PRIORITIES

Building a better Putting Developing local public transport network passengers first transport solutions

• More trains • Better • Improving • Better station facilities passenger local transport information • Better bus and • Making new coach services • Better connections facilities and • Balancing future • Encouraging experiences freight and passenger active transport rail network • Making • Supporting transport • Simplified public tourism accessible transport fares and tickets

8 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan 9 GRAMPIANS LODDON MALLEE

✔ Ballarat Line Upgrade ✔ Two additional off-peak project to improve capacity, return services from duplicate tracks and Melbourne to Bendigo upgrade stations each day ✔ Two additional off-peak ✔ Upgrade Bendigo and return services from Eaglehawk stations Melbourne to Ballarat ✔ Upgrade Woodend, each day Gisborne and Kyneton ✔ Improvements for Ballarat station car parks and Horsham coach ✔ Upgrade bus stops interchanges and bus stops in Mildura, Echuca, ✔ 200 extra car parks and Bendigo to meet demand at ✔ Investigate a shuttle Wendouree station bus option to and from ✔ Upgrade Ballan station Swan Hill Mildura Airport waiting area ✔ Real-time information for ✔ Additional return service key Bendigo bus stops Ballarat to Maryborough on weekdays

Echuca Albury BARWON SOUTH WEST Shepparton

✔ Additional off-peak return service from Melbourne to Geelong each day ✔ A train every 40 minutes to Waurn Ponds from 7 am Bendigo to 7 pm on weekends Maryborough Seymour ✔ Additional return service between Melbourne and Ararat Warrnambool every Sunday ✔ Regional bus service improvements for the Bellarine Peninsula ✔ Upgrade bus stops and Bairnsdale coach interchanges Ballarat in Geelong, Hamilton, Warrnambool and Portland ✔ Improvements to Marshall and North Shore stations Geelong ✔ Additional car parks at Lara and Marshall stations ✔ Planning for track Warrnambool Traralgon duplication between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds and investigation into new services to Armstrong Creek ✔ A fourth return service between Geelong and Warrnambool on weekdays

10 Better Regional Public Transport Regional Network Development Plan GETTING IT DONE 2016-2017 STATE BUDGET INITIATIVES

HUME GIPPSLAND ✔ Rolling stock improvements and planning for the ✔ retirement of classic fleet Two additional return on the North East line off-peak services from Melbourne to Traralgon ✔ Additional Seymour each day to Shepparton service ✔ extension each day Regional bus service improvements for the Swan Hill ✔ Upgrade Wallan and Latrobe Valley, including Kilmore East car park bus shelters facilities ✔ Upgrade coach ✔ Upgrade Shepparton interchanges in Wonthaggi, station waiting area Leongatha, Anderson, and Koo Wee Rup ✔ Install bike facilities at major stations in the region ✔ Upgrade bus stop signage in Bairnsdale and Sale ✔ Extra shelters at major Echuca bus stops in Shepparton ✔ Upgrade stations on the Gippsland line and ✔ Upgrade Seymour Shepparton Albury investigate increased coach interchange car park capacity to meet demand at Morwell, Moe and Traralgon stations ✔ Planning work for upgrades on the Gippsland Line Bendigo Maryborough Seymour Ararat NETWORK WIDE IMPROVEMENTS

✔ Purchase of an additional 27 VLocity carriages and delivery of supporting stabling infrastructure to boost capacity on the regional network Ballarat Bairnsdale ✔ Investment in planning for Next Generation Regional Rolling Stock to cater for the future needs of regional Victoria ✔ Major periodic maintenance to guard against deterioration of the network and improve service reliability for regional Geelong passengers ✔ Funding to rebuild V/Line capacity and deliver the services passengers expect and deserve Warrnambool Traralgon ✔ Road and rail minor works fund to improve train stations, bus stops and coach interchanges across regional Victoria ✔ Investment in planning for the next phase of works identified in the Regional Network Development Plan ✔ Co-investment in Project Regeneration to upgrade rail sidings to improve freight efficiency ✔ Standardise and increase axle loading of rail freight lines through the Murray Basin Rail Project to reduce freight costs

11 02 RESPONDING TO CHANGE IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

As the population, A GROWING AND MEETING DIVERSE industries and local CHANGING REGIONAL TRANSPORT NEEDS economies of regional POPULATION Victoria change, the Better transport connections transport system After a period of strong and options are needed investment in regional to support changing travel must keep up with communities, more people are patterns for trips to work, travel changing regional choosing to remain in or move outside of normal business travel needs. to regional centres. hours, accessible and local trips to support an ageing Increasingly, Victoria’s regional population and to support cities are offering jobs, the shift to jobs in service- education, health and other based industries. services that were previously only available in Melbourne. More people are travelling Combined with lifestyle between regional towns and advantages and lower housing cities for work. Across regional prices, these opportunities Victoria, a growing number are attracting more people of people are travelling outside to regional Victoria. traditional business hours. For example, young people need Our regional cities and many public transport in the evenings towns are thriving, with growing and weekends to access work, populations and transforming study and social opportunities. economies. But the growth Providing these connections is uneven. It is forecast that is critical to retaining young 40 per cent of all regional people in regional areas. population growth to 2031 will be in the cities of Greater In places with ageing Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat. populations, reliable and At the same time, some smaller accessible public and local towns are maintaining stable transport will be vital to help populations while others older Victorians remain are declining. independent, mobile and active in their local communities. Good public transport services within our regional cities will Closer to Melbourne, many be vital to supporting and rapidly growing outer suburbs managing regional growth. are serviced by V/Line, and Strong transport connections demand for these services between smaller towns and is increasing. large centres will be a key Changes are occurring in key factor in maintaining these industries in regional Victoria, towns as great places to live with a shift underway towards and popular places to visit. more service-based industries such as retail, healthcare and professional, scientific and technical services. This means our transport system will need to cater for more local public transport trips to employment hubs and retail centres. 12 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan REGIONAL VICTORIA – FUTURE POPULATION

This map shows the projected population growth for regional Victoria’s local government areas, between 2011-2031. These projections are based on the Victorian Government’s Victoria in Future 2015 report.

RATE OF CHANGE Mildura

4.0% and above 3.0% to 4.0% 2.0% to 3.0% 1.0% to 2.0% 0.5% to 1.0% 0.0% to 0.5% Less than 0.0%

Wodonga

Shepparton Wangaratta

Horsham Bendigo

Ballarat

Greater Warrnambool Geelong Latrobe

13 03 LISTENING TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Across regional Through our regional public With an ageing population transport consultation program in regional Victoria, many Victoria, people have in 2015, thousands of people people emphasised the said they want to from across the regions told us importance of providing use public transport what they wanted from public universal access to the services more, but transport services, including: public transport system and encouraging independence • comfortable and clean they need them among older people and people trains, buses, stations and to be more reliable who are socially disadvantaged bus shelters and frequent. or living with a disability. • on-board services such as mobile access, power People want access in and out points and work tables of smaller towns and remote communities, and suggested • adequate car parking, lighting non-traditional, smaller and and toilet facilities at stations more flexible services could • better quality food and be used to meet these needs. drinks and more secure Many regional communities storage for luggage on long suggested using school buses distance services in their area during the day • consistent ticketing across to run local bus services to regional Victoria shopping centres, medical • up-to-date information services, education precincts about services and train stations. • better promotion of public In some regional communities transport in regional Victoria such as popular tourist • helpful journey planning destinations or those with information such as how seasonal workforces, travel to connect to services. needs can change depending on the time of year. These Communities told us they communities want public wanted a bigger focus on transport services with the improving public transport flexibility to match seasonal within and between regions. travel demand. Across all regions, people consistently said ‘it’s not all about getting to Melbourne’.

14 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan Freight and its relationship The group was co-chaired with public transport was by Jaclyn Symes, Member for also a topic of discussion Northern Victoria and Richard across Victoria, particularly in Elkington, Gippsland Regional the north of the state where Development Committee Chair. regional businesses rely heavily Other RTAG members (and their on the rail and road freight positions at the time of their network to get their goods appointment) were: to market. In these areas, • Jo Bourke, Executive Director, communities and businesses Wimmera Development want reliable and efficient Association freight connections to markets and export gateways, without • Bruce Anson, CEO, compromising passenger Warrnambool City Council services and public transport • Janet Dore, CEO, Transport connectivity. Accident Commission To read more about the • Trevor Budge, Manager community and stakeholder of Strategy, City of consultation, see the Greater Bendigo Conversation Report • Patience Harrington, Chief at ptv.vic.gov.au Executive, City of Wodonga • David McKenzie, Chair, Committee for Greater REGIONAL TRANSPORT Shepparton ADVISORY GROUP • Judy Verlin AM, Chair, Committee for Ballarat. Formed in June 2015, the Regional Transport Advisory The Minister for Public Transport Group (RTAG) provided a link will continue to consult with between regional communities and seek advice from leaders and the Victorian Government. in regional Victorian Working closely with Public communities, including Transport Victoria, the the Regional Partnerships, Department of Economic regarding local transport issues. Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, V/Line and its operators, RTAG provided local feedback, on-the-ground information and ideas about regional public transport.

15 CONVERSATIONS IN NUMBERS

38 12,000 1,700 COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER STICKY WORKSHOPS NOTES ONLINE SURVEYS 102 20 670 SUBMISSIONS IN DEPTH ONLINE INTERVIEWS COMMENTS MORE THAN 1,400 ATTENDEES

MORE TOTAL PIECES OF THAN 1 5 0 0 0 FEEDBACK

16 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan 17 04 OUR REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK

New investment TOWN BUSES PROVIDE Regional Rail Link separated metropolitan and regional is transforming LOCAL SERVICES services through Melbourne’s and modernising west, giving Geelong, Bendigo Victoria’s regional The map on pages 20-21 shows and Ballarat trains their own network at a time the current regional public dedicated tracks from Sunshine transport network. It includes to Southern Cross Station. when increased regional V/Line trains and demand is putting coaches as well as local town Melbourne Metro is the next exciting chapter in the pressure on the bus routes. Demand on the network continues to increase. Victorian rail network’s story. network. Patronage on V/Line services This project will include twin increased 50 per cent over nine kilometre tunnels and five the eight years to 2014, while new underground stations regional town bus networks at Arden, Parkville, CBD North, OUR REGIONAL PUBLIC in 2014 carried approximately CBD South and Domain. TRANSPORT NETWORK 3 million more passengers Melbourne Metro will make it compared to 2006. easier to travel from Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong Across regional Victoria, and Traralgon to major train services are delivered hospitals and universities on 1,747 km of rail track, ONGOING in Parkville and to destinations while over 41 million bus TRANSFORMATION around St Kilda Road. and coach kilometres are travelled each year. Victoria’s regional public The regional rail network transport network has been provides the backbone of the transformed through major regional transport system, with investments such as Regional the coach network connecting Fast Rail and Regional Rail journeys throughout the state Link. Regional Fast Rail and providing critical links revolutionised travel between between communities. Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Melbourne in Just as the number of people the mid-2000s. This landmark using public transport will initiative accelerated increase over the coming years regional growth and provided so will the amount of freight on direct access to jobs once the regional network. Careful inaccessible to people management is required on in regional cities. rail lines that carry passenger and freight trains to avoid delays and ensure safety and efficiency.

18 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan The upgrade of the ADDRESSING Cranbourne-Pakenham corridor is another CONSTRAINTS ON metropolitan project that THE EXISTING RAIL will boost regional service NETWORK reliability. These works will improve reliability for Gippsland With demand for passenger passengers by removing and freight services increasing, the potential for conflict addressing constraints on the and service disruption rail network will be important at some of Melbourne’s in delivering a coordinated busiest level crossings. public transport network. Funding has been committed Current constraints that restrict to enable planning to the development of improved commence for infrastructure timetables and services include: upgrades between Upfield and Somerton. Future works will • single track and manual train enhance services for Wallan signalling systems that limit and Seymour and provide the number of trains that additional capacity. can operate and prevent trains from running in both The Ballarat Line Upgrade directions at the same time will duplicate sections of track and upgrade stations to • unprotected level crossings improve services and address and farm crossings that growing passenger demand. limit the number and speed This is one of a number of of trains major projects transforming • freight and passenger our regional rail network. services using the same lines, which creates timetable challenges • metropolitan and regional services using the same tracks, which creates timetabling challenges and the potential for train delays, leading to overcrowding and unreliability.

19 REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK

Robinvale Mildura

Pinnaroo Murrayville To Grifﬁth Manangatang Ouyen Barham To Adelaide Piangil Finley Oaklands Tocumwal Barmah Cohuna Deniliquin Cobram Sea Lake Swan Hill Corowa Nathalia Numurkah Birchip Moama Mulwala

Echuca Kyabram Shepparton Rutherglen Yaapeet Hopetoun Kerang Yarrawonga To Sydney Pyramid Warracknabeal Donald Rochester Mooroopna Wangaratta Albury To Canberra Elmore Stanhope Murchison East Dingee Springhurst Chiltern Wodonga Benalla Eaglehawk Violet Town Epsom Nagambie Wedderburn Euroa Nhill Horsham Rupanyup St Arnaud BENDIGO Avenel Kangaroo Beechworth To Adelaide Dimboola Murtoa Dunolly Flat Castlemaine SEYMOUR Tallarook Malmsbury Heathcote To Canberra Broadford Kyneton Bright Avoca Lancefield Kilmore East Woodend Gisborne Stawell Daylesford Macedon Wandong Mount Beauty Cann River To Narooma Maryborough Heathcote Junction & Batemans Orbost Riddells Bay Talbot Creek Wallan Clunes Clarkefield Sunbury Lakes Entrance Donnybrook Mount Buller Creswick Bacchus Paynesville Watergardens Halls Gap Ararat BALLARAT Marsh Rockbank Craigieburn Mansfield Bairnsdale Dunkeld Broadmeadows Yea Maffra Beaufort Wendouree Ballan Melton Deer Park Ardeer Stratford Essendon Tarneit Sunshine Whittlesea Sale Hamilton Glenthompson Wyndham Vale Footscray North Melbourne Rosedale Little River Skipton Dynon TRARALGON Ringwood Derrinallum Lara SOUTHERN CROSS FLINDERS STREET Morwell Casterton Corio Richmond Moe Mortlake North Shore Trafalgar Koroit Caulfield Terang Colac North Geelong Yarragon Mount Winchelsea Marshall Clayton GEELONG Gambier Dandenong Nar Nar Warragul Heywood Camperdown Birregurra Waurn South Berwick* Goon Garfield Drouin Ponds Geelong Sherwood Park Longwarry Warrnambool Anglesea Pakenham Tynong Bunyip Portland Port Hastings Fairy Lorne Lang Lang Port Campbell Apollo Bay LEGEND Korumburra Anderson Leongatha V/Line train Yarram V/Line coach Wonthaggi Local bus network Cowes (Phillip Island) Inverloch Train and coach interchange Coach interchange Freight network Cape Paterson *Map not to scale

20 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan Robinvale Mildura

21 05 REGIONAL NETWORK DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Regional Network The plan responds to changing CREATING AN regional travel needs and Development Plan reflects the contributions, INTEGRATED outlines the projects views and ideas of people, TRANSPORT SYSTEM needed now and businesses and organisations into the future to across regional Victoria. Transport policy and planning in Victoria is guided by the modernise the Victorian Government’s network with more GUIDING INVESTMENT overarching objectives to track, more trains IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT support economic development and more services. and social inclusion, and to coordinate land use and The Regional Network transport planning. Development Plan moves away from ad hoc service While it focuses on the public improvements towards a more transport network, the Regional coordinated and integrated Network Development Plan regional public transport recognises that this is just one network where train, coach and part of an integrated transport bus services work together to get system that needs to move people where they need to go. people and goods around the state. The plan sets short, medium and long term actions There is a need to coordinate to progressively improve and regional services with the modernise Victoria’s regional metropolitan rail network given public transport network. the significant growth in outer metropolitan Melbourne. The plan establishes principles for developing the best The plan reflects a broader public transport network integrated approach to for a particular location. planning to support Victoria’s growth and development. The principles recognise that This broader approach brings population growth, economic together thinking about all opportunities and social factors forms of transport so they vary over time and that the collectively contribute to shape of the future public ensuring Victoria is well transport network within connected and a thriving place a region needs the flexibility to live and do business. to adapt to changing circumstances.

22 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan SETTING STRATEGIC In planning regional Victoria’s public transport PRIORITIES network, the Government recognises that coaches The Regional Network and buses are an integral Development Plan sets out part of a coordinated public three strategic, network-wide transport network and that priorities for regional low demand services, public transport: particularly local services, • Building a better public could be better provided by transport network other modes such as taxis. • Putting passengers first We recognise that for an • Developing local effective, integrated system transport solutions we may need to use some network corridors primarily This plan will be regularly for freight, develop alternative reviewed and monitored corridors for passengers trains to reflect emerging trends or manage the way passenger and community needs, and trains and freight move on the investment by government. same corridor. Our aim is to provide a clearly defined regional DIFFERENT SERVICES public transport network, with FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS different types of services that are tailored to meet the specific Regional Victoria’s public needs of local communities. transport network comprises several modes: rail, long distance coach, and school and town buses. Together these modes enable passengers to access services, education, recreation and employment. They share infrastructure that moves both people and freight.

23 STRATEGIC PRIORITY BUILDING A BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK

Regional Victorians This priority is not just about efficiently operating our public want more reliable transport network. It is also and more frequent about making sure we respond public transport to changes in regional Victoria services. to take people from where they live to where they want to go.

They want better connected coaches and buses that arrive WHAT WE HEARD and leave more frequently to the places they want to go. More tracks, more trains “Consistent lighting is needed and more services will help for passengers to disembark.” address some of the barriers – Swan Hill workshop to encouraging more public participant transport use. “We need suitable train Better infrastructure and times to attend meetings service planning can improve in Melbourne.” travel times, reliability of – Shepparton workshop services and connections, participant while simplified ticketing will “More trains should go make the network easier through to Waurn Ponds, to access. there’s so many new houses going in there!” – Geelong workshop participant “There’s not many places in the Sunraysia area where you can buy a myki.” – Mildura workshop participant “There’s no overnight secure parking available at or near the station for out-of-towners.” – Benalla workshop participant “Capture the wider benefits in rail upgrade business cases, like freight.” – Bairnsdale workshop participant MORE TRAINS

Increasing the number of train SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM services was raised often in our UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS community conversations. To run more services, we need Build new train stabling at key locations on the network more trains. The Victorian Government is already buying Procure and roll more VLocity carriages, out 21 VLocity upgrading older trains, and carriages with will soon procure the next an additional order generation of regional trains. of 27 to follow We will continually assess Procure and roll out next generation where we can add more of regional trains services as we receive more trains and new infrastructure. Progressively retire older trains including H-cars and N-cars This includes a mixture of stopping all-stations and Develop and implement a standard specification limited express trains to get for new public transport vehicles people where they need to go Modernise older Refurbish older Complete VLocity as quickly as possible. trains to improve VLocity trains refurbishment We will also develop standard reliability and for improved program specifications for public comfort passenger comfort transport trains and buses and reliability to make sure they consistently Work towards a minimum 20 minute peak frequency, 40 minute include the modern features interpeak frequency across the commuter rail network passengers expect. Ongoing program to add more train services across the regional network and increase frequency of train services

NEW TRACK FOR REGIONAL VICTORIANS Regional commuters have more reliable train services following the completion of the $3.65 billion Regional Rail Link project. Regional Rail Link expanded Victoria’s rail network, with 90km of new track and dedicated regional lines for Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat trains from West Werribee Junction to Deer Park, and along the existing rail corridor from Sunshine to Southern Cross Station. The project removed bottlenecks that cause train delays by untangling regional and metropolitan train services as they travel through Melbourne’s west into the heart of the city. The Regional Rail Link has provided capacity for additional services during each morning and evening peak period, allowing more Victorians to get where they need to go.

25 BETTER STATION FACILITIES

Our community conversations SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS highlighted the importance of providing station facilities Develop and Continue to implement station amenity that meet the needs of commence a improvement program to improve local communities. We have station amenity passenger safety and amenity developed standards for improvement different station types – from program large regional cities to small towns. Thousands of new Review car parking Continue to add car parking passengers are using our needs at regional as necessary regional stations each year. stations Developing station standards Add extra car will mean passengers can parking at priority expect consistent facilities stations following at stations and interchanges the review across the network. Extend station platforms to allow for longer trains as necessary Where we have heritage stations, these will be preserved Develop interchange Upgrade and enhanced to form standards for interchanges to gateways to regional centres. different station and meet new standards interchange types Options for improving security and facilities at regional Improve Identify opportunities to work with local stations and interchanges interchanges councils on mixed use developments will be investigated. This may at major around major transport hubs involve improvements to transport hubs lighting and CCTV systems, Upgrade stations and interchanges intercom buttons on platforms, to provide improved safety and passenger and waiting room or toilet amenity features upgrades. We will also review car parking needs at regional Develop a stations including secure strategic plan for overnight car parking at certain the metropolitan long distance regional stations. and regional rail interface Station platforms will be extended to allow for longer trains as necessary. In the short term, this will allow longer trains to operate on commuter corridors and potentially nine car trains in the medium term on some routes.

26 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan BETTER BUS AND COACH SERVICES

Our community conversations SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM highlighted that travelling UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS between and within regional cities and towns was just as Trial express coach Establish standardised interchanges important to people as getting services to connect for transfers between coaches and to and from Melbourne. with existing train trains on the metropolitan network A ‘hub and spoke’ network services (pending outcomes from the trial) of bus and coach services Improve key Review east-west coach upgrades is important for creating better east-west coach and identify other connections connections between cities connections for improvement and towns, as well as improving between regions, connections across the state. such as Benalla- A hub and spoke network allows Shepparton- passengers to move across Bendigo their local areas by using multiple coordinated services. Increase coach Continue to add frequency and capacity services on key on the coach network The Victorian Government will routes including undertake a network review links to regional of regional town bus services cities to improve bus services on key routes, including links Network review Improve town bus to regional cities. of regional town services and add bus services new routes following We will identify opportunities including potential the review to increase services using our for new routes existing infrastructure and assets. For example, some Upgrade stops to provide improved safety coach services could run and passenger amenity features directly to train stations on Melbourne’s metropolitan fringe rather than into the CBD, to reduce travel time. We will also develop a procurement strategy to meet demand for buses. In addition to upgrading train stations, we will develop standards for different types of bus stops. This will mean passengers can expect consistent facilities at stops, stations and interchanges across the network.

27 SIMPLE FARE SOLUTIONS

Many people told us that SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM Victoria’s regional fare system UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS can be confusing, and there are some anomalies in how Expand the number of retail outlets fares are calculated that lead with myki to inequities. Assess opportunities We also heard that people to further roll out are often frustrated with the myki in regional ticketing system, with some Victoria places using myki and others using paper ticket systems. Review existing Implement improved Review ticketing People want to travel across fare structure regional ticketing system to reflect regional Victoria on different when updating new technologies services without having to the fares and purchase new tickets for each ticketing manual leg of the journey. People said that a system like myki would make ticketing easier and travel by public transport more convenient. We will undertake a review of regional public transport fares and prepare a new fares and ticketing manual. Achieving greater simplicity will be a key aim of the review. We will expand the number of regional retail outlets with myki and assess locations to further roll out myki in regional Victoria.

28 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan SUPPORTING FREIGHT AND JOBS

While the focus of this Regional Separating tracks for freight The government is continuing Network Development Plan and passenger trains can to upgrade the state’s is to support development of sometimes provide benefits, infrastructure, to ensure the public transport network, although this is not always grain and cereal crops in parts of the rail network that feasible. northern Victoria get to port carry passengers also have more efficiently through a We are delivering the Murray an important freight task. contribution to GrainCorp’s Basin Rail Project, which will Project Regeneration. The As regional Victoria’s population benefit farmers, grain exporters project is upgrading train grows and the demand for and local businesses by loading infrastructure and travel increases, more standardising and increasing sidings at grain sites in Victoria. passenger and freight axle loads on the region’s trains will be operating on freight rail lines. We are committed to improving the regional rail network. infrastructure for users of This project will improve Investment in more productive the rail freight system. The reliability of rail freight and infrastructure and freight state has an extensive and increase competition between services encourages economic important network of regional ports resulting in lower supply growth and job creation. freight terminals which includes chain costs. Deniliquin, Dooen, Mildura, Tocumwal, Warrnambool, and Wodonga. We will continue to maintain and upgrade rail infrastructure SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS across regional Victoria including track, signalling Deliver the Murray Standardise and increase axle loads on and level crossings to ensure Basin Rail Project other priority freight rail lines our rail network can meet to standardise the the needs of both freight and rail line and increase public transport users. axle loads Continue implementation of safety programs at road and pedestrian level crossings Continue the maintenance, upgrade and modernisation of rail infrastructure, including track, signalling and level crossings

Work with industry and local government in the Green Triangle to improve supply chains to the Port of Portland for timber and other commodities Work to remove regulatory anomalies for cross-border rail freight between Victoria, SA and NSW Capture opportunities in regional Victoria to connect new industries in adjoining precincts to transport corridors and terminals

29 STRATEGIC PRIORITY PUTTING PASSENGERS FIRST

We must provide WHAT WE HEARD a high-quality experience for “Wi-fi on buses and trains ” passengers using – Traralgon workshop the regional public participant transport network, “USB powerpoints and getting people where Wi-fi to make the commute they need to go more to uni more productive” easily and reliably. – Geelong workshop participant

We will improve the experience “I enjoy looking out the for passengers using our window but it’s often regional public transport too dirty” network by setting a minimum – Benalla workshop level and quality of service participant that people should expect when travelling. We want to “I’d like real-time information encourage more people to use for bus, coach and train public transport by removing on the phone app” barriers to accessing public – Warragul workshop transport services, giving participant people better travel information and providing a better “Not enough fresh healthy experience from the start food and local produce to the end of people’s journeys. on the train” – Warrnambool workshop participant

30 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan BETTER PASSENGER INFORMATION

We know that providing information to passengers SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM along their journey is important. UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS Passenger information points, Develop options Roll out fixed infrastructure with real-time real-time information and and trial statewide information following the trial public announcements are real-time tracking all critical in keeping people of trains, coaches well informed. All of these and buses elements will be improved as part of the Regional Network Better on-board dynamic passenger Development Plan. information on buses and coaches Working with local councils, we will develop and roll out Develop online Utilise new mobile technology to deliver improvements to local signage applications for information to passengers when and to make sure links to public real-time tracking where they need it transport and nearby local Improve directional centres are clear and easy signage at to understand. Southern Cross We will provide tailored Station information for regional passengers to improve their Work with local Continue the roll understanding about how to councils to develop out of improved use the network. Information directional signage directional signage will also be provided in other strategies for cities across all regional languages to help visitors and towns then networks move around. start roll out in key locations

Provide information in other languages for tourists and temporary visitors

Develop targeted Review transport information transport campaigns and update information campaigns for local areas

31 MORE COMFORTABLE SERVICES

Comfortable and enjoyable SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM journeys are not only important UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS to current public transport users; they are also crucial Review cleaning Ongoing reviews to encouraging more people regimes and of cleaning regimes to use public transport. implement Providing better device improvements connectivity for passengers will help them work, study or stay in Investigate Build new train maintenance and contact with friends and family locations for train cleaning facilities more easily during their trips. cleaning facilities The Victorian Government is Investigate options Work with addressing mobile coverage to improve mobile mobile carriers blackspots on regional data connectivity to implement commuter trains and will look on regional solutions to improve to extend this further over time. public transport. mobile connectivity Cleaning regimes and Start delivery in on public transport the location of cleaning partnership with infrastructure will be reviewed the Commonwealth as part of this plan, with the aim and mobile carriers of adding more train cleaning to improve mobile facilities across the network. coverage on key public transport We will review and improve corridors catering and food services to source fresh local produce Update new train specifications to and provide healthier food include improved on-board technology for on-board trains and in vending passengers for example USB power points machines at major stations. and tray tables on new trains We will investigate operating where appropriate premium class coaches for some destinations, and Feasibility study If supported and If feasible continue consider USB power points for a premium feasible roll out roll out of a and tray tables as part of class on coaches a premium class premium class on new train specifications. on coaches, with coaches for coach priority for longer trips between two distance routes and three hours over three hours

Review on-board Improve on-board catering to train catering meet passenger to source fresh expectations local produce

Provide food Consider building food and beverage and drink vending outlets when upgrading major stations machines at stations

32 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan MAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ACCESSIBLE

Travelling independently is SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM important to older people and UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS mobility-impaired Victorians. Equally important is providing Upgrade bus and Continue the roll out of accessible access to public transport for coach stops with buses and coaches and enable mobility- families using prams. Being disability compliant impaired passengers to use the in-built able to use buses, coaches and access lift on coaches trains opens up opportunities for people to move about and Continue to implement a regional rail participate fully in community station accessibility program life. As many regional Victorians told us, access to public Work with the Public Transport Access Committee on transport services will become accessibility issues in regional Victoria increasingly important in places with ageing populations. Full accessibility across the regional public transport network means upgrading stations, bus stops and coach interchanges, as well as the vehicles that provide public transport. In the short term, we will upgrade bus and coach stops to ensure they are fully accessible. We will continue to roll out a regional train station accessibility program with major interchanges given priority initially.

REAL-TIME TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR REGIONAL VICTORIA More regional passengers now have access to timely commuter travel updates thanks to the roll out of real-time information at stations. Electronic displays, public address announcement messages and customer information points were installed in 2016 at 10 stations on the Bendigo line as well as 33 V/Line stations on the Geelong, Ballarat and Gippsland lines. The initiative gives passengers automated, accurate and timely information about train times, service changes and platform alterations. The new displays also help customers with hearing and visual impairments, with the improved audio and visual information making it easier to access real-time train information.

33 STRATEGIC PRIORITY DEVELOPING LOCAL TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS

Regional Victorians “Pedestrian and bike want more reliable paths that connect and more frequent to public transport” – Geelong workshop public transport participant services for their communities, but “I have about 50 itinerant workers and it’s hard for them each solution to get around if they don’t must take into have a car. There’s a bus consideration the service that runs down the individual needs of highway but that’s 3km away. The farms on the highway our unique regional find it easier to get workers communities. because they can use the bus” – Red Cliffs farmer interview The Regional Network “Very limited transport exists Development Plan reflects for the elderly and those with the importance of considering no car or licence. This affects the unique characteristics travellers to Daylesford of different parts of regional or Woodend from Tylden, Victoria when planning Trentham, Lyonsville, Bullarto and delivering public and Musk” transport services. – Castlemaine workshop participant

WHAT WE HEARD “It’s hard to travel cross- country, like from Shepparton to Wangaratta” “We need to encourage – Wodonga workshop people to cycle and ride participant in developing suburbs” – Bendigo workshop “There’s a real lack of participant connections between smaller towns and Bairnsdale” – Bairnsdale workshop participant

“Tourism opportunities need more focus, like the Grampians Peak Trail” – Ararat workshop participant CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

Local transport connects Across regional Victoria, When it comes to local people to local places people want local transport transport, people told and services in their own that is appropriate to their us very clearly that they want communities. It can include area and that is planned a stronger voice. To provide this neighbourhood buses, and delivered in partnership voice, the Victorian Government community transport, taxis with communities. We will set will form partnerships with and hire cars. Local transport up Local Transport Forums local councils and community is a key part of an integrated to bring together transport organisations to ensure the transport network. providers, stakeholders and needs of local people are local communities. identified and included when planning local transport. Regional Victorians have great ideas for improving public transport services. We are keen to explore these ideas and we SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM will trial innovative transport UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS services or extend existing trials such as: Establish Local Ongoing engagement through local • use of school buses outside Transport Forums transport forums of school times across Victoria • flexible routes operated Trial innovative Implement innovative and flexible by buses, taxis or hire cars local public transport options in areas where buses • community transport transport services are not suitable provided through partnerships with local Integrate government and community information about organisations non-PTV services into PTV journey • dedicated non-emergency information medical transport services to connect rural people to health facilities.

INNOVATIVE SERVICES CONNECT WESTERN VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES Warrnambool, Koroit and Port Fairy residents are using innovative community transport services to get to medical appointments, shopping and community activities. ConnectU uses donated cars and volunteer drivers to provide a tailored, low cost transport service for locals who can’t catch public transport or taxis. Using local partnerships, the door-to-door service has provided over 7800 trips and assisted more than 230 people since the trial began in August 2012, with the majority of passengers aged over 70. The government provided $50,000 to extend the trial until June 2016.

35 NEW CONNECTIONS

As regional Victoria grows SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM we need to connect people UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS to more places, more often. For a growing number of Develop and Consider future people, travelling to and from implement bus sites for seasonal places like Ballarat, Bendigo services that demand bus or Seymour for work, education cater for seasonal services, such and other vital services is as demand (summer as coastal holiday important as travelling to and school holidays or areas in Gippsland from Melbourne. fruit-picking season) – trial sites on the We will continue to work to Bellarine Peninsula join up the public transport and in Sunraysia network, helping regional Victorians connect with Review bus networks to make sure they contain appropriate metropolitan buses, trains local transport routes and trams to key destinations. Extend existing town bus services and add new services into We will also improve counter- new residential areas and employment centres peak travel options using Improve transport coaches/buses until necessary to special events upgrades are made to rail with more buses, infrastructure. trains and coaches The Regional Network services Development Plan recognises Use of coaches/ Provide more passing loops and dual track that we will need to link people buses to provide sections to allow trains to operate on the to places that may never have counter-peak travel commuter rail network in both directions been connected to public where rail capacity during the peaks transport before. We will trial is not available new bus services to cater for seasonal demand for example Develop a on the Bellarine Peninsula strategic plan for over summer and in the the metropolitan Sunraysia region during and regional rail the fruit picking season. interface We will review bus networks and extend existing town bus services into new residential areas and surrounding settlements.

36 Better Regional Public Transport Regional Network Development Plan WALKING AND CYCLING

Walking and cycling – active SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM transport – is critical to an UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS integrated transport network and to healthier communities. Work with local councils on precinct planning to integrate The Victorian Government walking and cycling networks with public transport infrastructure will work with local councils and good signage on precinct planning to make sure active transport Continue to build Investigate is prioritised through good bike cages at opportunities for pathways and signs to direct larger regional integrated cycle people to public transport stations and coach centres within services and local attractions. terminals, and major regional provide bike hoops stations, including We will also investigate design at smaller stations lockers, shower options to enable more bikes to facilities, and bike be carried on regional trains. repair retailers Bike cages and bike racks will Establish Active Active Transport Victoria to roll out cycling be provided at regional stations Transport Victoria and walking initiatives and bus terminals to encourage to develop and more cycling. promote cycling and walking initiatives

Investigate the feasibility of bike share programs for selected regional locations

Investigate design options that enable more bikes to be carried on regional trains

TRIAL ENABLES PEOPLE TO BIKE AND BUS Passengers in parts of regional Victoria can now ride their bike to their local bus stop and take it with them on their journey. Bike racks have been fitted to the front of buses operating from Strathfieldsaye to Bendigo and the Cowes to Wonthaggi service as part of a year long trial that started in March 2016. The Bus Association, VicRoads and PTV are working together on the trial, which aims to alleviate congestion on local roads and provide an environmentally friendly transport option for Victorians.

37 TRANSPORT FOR TOURISM

Tourism presents exciting SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM opportunities for local regions UP TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS 10+ YEARS to promote public transport as a way of visiting popular Work with Visit destinations for weekend Victoria to provide getaways and family holidays integrated as well as accessing rail trails public transport and attending regional events. information for To support this, we will trial the tourists and visitors carriage of bicycles on buses to regional Victoria to boost local economies and attract new visitors. Investigate Add extra We will work with Visit Victoria, increasing train services on long regional councils and tourism frequencies on long distance routes agencies to promote walking distance routes and cycling tourism across to support tourism, Victoria using the regional especially on public transport network. weekends We will examine the potential Run a trial of Review trial to increase train frequencies bicycles on bus outcomes and on long distance routes to services in the roll out to other support tourism, especially High Country and tourism areas on weekends. Grampians Peak Trail tourism areas, and on urban buses in Bendigo

Consider partnerships with local councils and tourism groups to provide public transport information

Investigate options for providing dedicated services for special events in regional Victoria to support tourism

SPECIAL TRAINS JUST THE TICKET FOR FESTIVAL GOERS Many Melburnians left the car at home and took advantage of special train services to Groovin the Moo festival in Bendigo in 2015. V/Line introduced five additional trains to the sold-out festival in May 2015 as part of the Government’s commitment to linking regional communities and supporting special events. Two additional services left Melbourne in the morning and three extra trains departed from Bendigo that night to take festival goers home again.

38 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan 06 REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITIES

39 BARWON SOUTH WEST

BARWON SOUTH WEST

Population: 387,100 (ABS census data 2011) Projected population in 2031: 467,670 (Victoria in Future 2015)

Train service between Melbourne and Warrnambool (via Geelong). 10 minute peak and 20 minute interpeak average frequency between Melbourne and South Geelong.

Coach service: Geelong, Warrnambool, Colac and Portland. Town bus service: Greater Geelong, Torquay, Colac, Warrnambool, Hamilton, and Portland.

Nearly 300 people attended workshops in Portland, Geelong, Warrnambool, Hamilton, Colac and Torquay.

40 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan WHAT COMMUNITIES • Station security concerns, Improving reliability, parking, general maintenance punctuality and frequency TOLD US and toilet facilities • Plan for duplication • Shortage of adequate from South Geelong Frequency bus shelters to Waurn Ponds • Increased frequency of train • Planning work to determine services to Warrnambool public transport solutions GETTING STARTED for the Armstrong Creek • More frequent train services growth corridor to improve on weekends The following are initiatives access and connections • More frequent town bus funded in the 2016-17 State to new residential areas services timetabling Budget: • Improving train timetables Rolling stock improvements • Extending bus operating hours More train services • Revamp classic fleet to • Additional off-peak return upgrade air conditioning Services/connectivity services from Melbourne • Improved local bus routes, to Geelong each day particularly where there • A train every 40 minutes FUTURE DIRECTIONS have been changes, so the to Waurn Ponds from 7 am elderly can access medical to 7 pm on weekends • Extra passing loops, track appointments, shops and • A third return service to/from and signalling upgrades other services Melbourne to Warrnambool on the Warrnambool line • More inter-city bus services every Sunday to allow for more passenger services and more freight • Coverage between the coastal • A fourth return service towns (Anglesea etc.) Geelong to Warrnambool • Duplication of the rail track to transport and shopping on weekdays from South Geelong to hubs such as Waurn Ponds Waurn Ponds • Greater and more frequent Better bus services • Build a second platform connections between regional at South Geelong, Marshall • Regional bus service cities and towns and Waurn Ponds stations improvements for the • Upgrade Warrnambool • Additional services should Bellarine Peninsula be provided on a seasonal station and car park • Upgrade bus and coach basis (to support tourism) • Improve safety at regional interchanges in Geelong, and for special events level crossings Hamilton, Warrnambool • Better connections and Portland • Retire classic fleet and between buses procure replacement stock Station upgrades • Investigate opportunities for Communications local transport in Barwon • Additional seating on platform South West to provide more • Better information about 2/3 at Geelong station travel options for residents timetables, ticketing and • 50 extra car parks and communications about • Review and upgrade extended platform shelters changes and disruptions stations and facilities in at Marshall station Barwon South West in line with • Additional shelter and lighting changing community needs Public transport experience at North Shore station • Plan for and implement • Areas for improvement on • Car park improvements bus service improvements train included toilet facilities, at Lara station across Barwon South food and drink quality, West as demand for outdated carriages, mobile services change coverage, and storage and security of luggage 41 GIPPSLAND

GIPPSLAND

Population: 259,816 (ABS census data 2011) Projected population in 2031: 333,210 (Victoria in Future 2015)

Train between Melbourne and Bairnsdale (via Traralgon)

Coaches service: Traralgon, Moe- Newborough, Morwell, Warragul, Sale, Bairnsdale, Drouin, Wonthaggi, Lakes Entrance, Maffra, Leongatha, Churchill and Yarram. All of these locations also have a town bus service, except for Leongatha and Yarram.

234 people attended workshops held in Warragul, Sale, Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Wonthaggi, and Leongatha

42 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan WHAT COMMUNITIES Public transport experience Improving reliability, punctuality and frequency TOLD US • Better facilities, including improvements to bus stop Remove nine level crossings shelters and signage and upgrading signalling Reliability and capacity • Better car park facilities on the Caulfield to Dandenong corridor. • Better reliability on the train service to Melbourne Planning work for upgrades • Improving the journey time GETTING STARTED on the Gippsland line to to Melbourne enable more train services and improve reliability. The following are initiatives This includes planning for: Frequency funded in the 2016-17 State Budget: • Passing loops between Moe • More frequent train and and Traralgon, Traralgon and bus services, particularly More train services Sale, and Sale and Bairnsdale in the counter-peak direction • Two additional return off-peak • Duplicate the single track • More train and bus services section between Bunyip and in major regional centres services from Melbourne to Traralgon each day Longwarry • More frequent services • Replace the Avon River between Traralgon, Sale Bridge at Stratford and Bairnsdale Better bus services • Regional bus service Timetabling improvements for the FUTURE DIRECTIONS Latrobe Valley • Longer operating hours – services that start earlier • Upgrade coach interchanges • Extra passing loops and extra and finish later in Wonthaggi, Leongatha, track to facilitate more trains Anderson, and Koo Wee Rup • Upgrade track to allow • Upgrade bus stop signage Connectivity/services for higher speeds of in Bairnsdale and Sale up to 160 km/h • Improving connections • Build train stabling at Sale to between Gippsland towns, Rolling stock improvements facilitate additional services including between South Gippsland and the • Revamp classic fleet to • Upgrade signalling to allow Latrobe Valley upgrade air conditioning more trains through to Sale • Improving integration • Improve safety at regional of services – trains, buses Station upgrades level crossings and taxis • Retire classic fleet and • Investigate and increase procure replacement stock • More frequent bus services car park capacity and station between regional centres amenity to meet demand • Investigate opportunities for and smaller towns at Morwell, Moe and local transport in Gippsland Traralgon stations to provide additional travel options for residents Ticketing • Review and upgrade • Simpler ticketing stations and facilities in Gippsland in line with changing community needs • Plan for and implement bus service improvements across Gippsland as demand for services change

43 GRAMPIANS

GRAMPIANS

Population: 224,430 (ABS census data 2011) Projected population in 2031: 300,012 (Victoria in Future 2015)

The Overland operates Melbourne- Geelong-Ararat-Horsham to Adelaide

Coach and town bus service: Ballarat, Horsham, Bacchus Marsh, Maryborough, Ararat, and Stawell

Nearly 300 people attended workshops in Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Maryborough, Ararat, and Horsham

44 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan WHAT COMMUNITIES GETTING STARTED The works include: TOLD US • duplicating a 17-kilometre The following are initiatives section of single track funded in the 2016-17 State between Deer Park West Frequency Budget: and Melton • More frequent train services • duplicating 3-kilometres on the Ballarat line More train services of track at Warrenheip • More train services to • Two additional off-peak return • building three passing loops Maryborough and Ararat services from Melbourne at Bacchus Marsh, Ballan to boost tourism, jobs and to Ballarat each day and near Bungaree to accommodate trains passing economic development • The Ballarat Line Upgrade in opposite directions project will also enable two Reliability extra trains to operate during • train stabling yard at Melton the morning and afternoon and Rowsley. • More frequent services peak periods and a train every particularly in the 40 minutes in the off-peak Rolling stock improvements counter-peak direction • Maryborough train extension • Improve reliability • Revamp classic fleet to every weekday following on the Ballarat line upgrade air conditioning consultation with the community Connectivity/services FUTURE DIRECTIONS • Provide more bus services Better bus services between rural and regional • Regional bus service • Build a train station at Toolern towns improvements for Ballarat • Investigate the need for extra • More bus services between • Improve Ballarat and stations near Ballarat Maryborough, Bendigo and Horsham coach interchanges Ballarat • Investigate opportunities for and bus stops passenger trains to use the • Improve connections between interstate line more frequently bus, coach and train services Station upgrades • Improve safety at regional • Open up rail lines in the region • 200 extra car parks to meet level crossings demand at Wendouree station • Retire classic fleet and Public transport experience • Upgrade Ballan station waiting procure replacement • Better facilities, including area to improve facilities for rolling stock improvements to bus stop waiting passengers • Investigate opportunities for shelter and signage • Build second platforms local transport in Grampians at Bacchus Marsh and to provide additional travel Timetabling Ballan stations, including options for residents • Longer operating hours – car park upgrades and • Review and upgrade public transport that starts provision of a pedestrian stations and facilities in earlier and finishes later link between platforms Grampians in line with changing community needs Improving reliability, • Plan for and implement punctuality and frequency bus service improvements across Grampians as demand The Ballarat Line Upgrade for services change project will deliver major upgrades to the Ballarat rail corridor – adding capacity for passengers and improving the reliability of existing services.

45 HUME

HUME

Population: 266, 471 (ABS census data 2011) Projected population in 2031: 364,043 (Victoria in Future 2015)

Train service from Melbourne over the NSW border to Albury-Wodonga (300km) and a train service between Melbourne and Shepparton (via Seymour)

Coach and town bus service: Shepparton – Mooroopna, Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Wallan, Yarrawonga, Kilmore, Seymour and Cobram

Nearly 370 people attended workshops held in Shepparton, Seymour, Benalla, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

46 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan WHAT COMMUNITIES • Investigate express shuttle FUTURE DIRECTIONS coaches in the North East to TOLD US connect with existing train • Extra passing loops, track, services train stabling and signalling Reliability Rolling stock improvements upgrades on the Shepparton line to allow for more train • Greater reliability of services; • Revamp classic fleet and services and freight improving the long journey clean seats time to Melbourne • Improve travel times from North East Line improvements Seymour to Melbourne including: by upgrading track and Frequency signalling to Seymour for • reconfiguration of rolling stock • More frequent train and coach speeds of up to 160 km/h from three train sets of five services – suggestions to carriages, to four train sets • Enable Seymour trains to run shuttle services between of four carriages to support bypass the busy Craigieburn Shepparton and Seymour improved maintenance line by connecting the and also Albury-Wodonga program and enhance Upfield and Craigieburn and Seymour to achieve reliability lines at Somerton greater frequency • refurbishments to the exterior • Improve travel times and interior of trains to and comfort by ensuring Timetabling improve passenger comfort Australian Rail Track • Longer operating hours – (e.g. deep cleans, new seat Corporation (ARTC) maintains public transport that starts cushions, lighting and carpets) sections of the north-east line to Albury-Wodonga earlier and finishes later • planning for a new rolling to appropriate standards stock solution for the corridor. Facilities following the completion of rehabilitation works • Better toilets at stations Station upgrades by the ARTC and on trains, more car • Improve station car parks • Improve safety at regional parking at stations at Wallan and Kilmore East level crossings • Better trains with improved • Upgrade Shepparton station • Retire classic fleet and mobile connectivity waiting area to improve procure replacement stock • Improved signage and lighting facilities for passengers • Wallan service enhancements at stations and healthier food • Install bike parks at major service on trains • Investigate roll out of VLocity stations in the Hume region trains on the Shepparton Line to improve connections for train passengers using a bike • Investigate opportunities GETTING STARTED for local transport in Hume • Extra shelters at major to provide additional travel bus stops in Shepparton options for residents The following are initiatives • Upgrade Seymour coach funded in the 2016-17 State • Review and upgrade interchange to improve Budget: stations and facilities in facilities for waiting Hume in line with changing passengers More services community needs • Plan for and implement Improved reliability, punctuality • Additional Seymour to bus service improvements and frequency Shepparton service extension across Hume as demand each day to increase train • Commence planning for for services change frequencies on long distance upgrades to the line between routes and support tourism Upfield and Somerton and weekend travel to enable additional capacity to be provided on the Seymour line 47 LODDON MALLEE

LODDON MALLEE

Population: 309,349 (ABS census data 2011) Projected population in 2031: 381,001 (Victoria in Future 2015)

Train services from Melbourne to Swan Hill and Echuca (via Bendigo)

Coach service: Bendigo, Castlemaine, Echuca, Gisborne, Kyabram, Kyneton, Mildura, Rochester and Swan Hill. All of these towns have a bus service, excluding Kyabram.

Nearly 200 people attended workshops held in Swan Hill, Mildura, Castlemaine, Echuca and Bendigo

48 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan WHAT COMMUNITIES GETTING STARTED Rolling stock improvements TOLD US • Revamp classic fleet to The following are initiatives upgrade air conditioning funded in the 2016-17 State Connectivity/services Budget: • Improve links and connections FUTURE DIRECTIONS between rural towns and More train services centres in the region • Two additional off-peak return • Deliver capacity • Improve frequency and services from Melbourne improvements on the coverage of local bus services to Bendigo each day Bendigo line • Upgrade tracks on the Reliability and capacity Station upgrades Bendigo line to allow for higher speeds of up to • Reliability of train services • Upgrade Bendigo and 160 km/h to Melbourne Eaglehawk stations to • Extra passing loops, track and • Additional train carriages improve facilities, pedestrian signalling upgrades on the to boost capacity movement, traffic flow and Echuca and Swan Hill lines accessibility • Improving journey time to allow for higher speeds, to Melbourne • Upgrade Woodend station more trains and more freight car park with lighting and • Increase track capacity additional car parks between Kyneton and Bendigo Frequency to meet demand • Implement recommendations • More services to • Improve station car parks for the Bendigo Metro Rail connect towns at Gisborne and Kyneton project • Increased train services • Investigate extra stations on the Swan Hill and Bus stop and coach in Central Victoria Echuca lines improvements • Improve safety at regional • Real-time information for level crossings Timetabling key Bendigo bus stops • Retire classic fleet and • More bus or train services • Upgrade bus stop signage procure replacement stock to cater for demand in the and timetable information • Investigate opportunities for counter-peak direction in Mildura and Echuca to local transport in Loddon in the morning, and improve amenities for Mallee to provide additional reverse in the evening waiting passengers travel options for residents (i.e. from Castlemaine • Investigate a shuttle bus • Review and upgrade stations into Bendigo) option to and from and facilities in Loddon • Greater span of services Mildura Airport Mallee in line with changing • Linking trains and bus community needs timetables Improved reliability, punctuality • Plan for and implement bus and frequency service improvements across Public transport experience • Planning work to increase Loddon Mallee as demand capacity on the Bendigo line for services change • Improved stations including to improve reliability and toilets, shelter, car parks facilitate 20 minute frequency • More bus stop shelters during peak and 40 minute • Better access to buses frequency during the day and between platforms and evenings 1 & 2 at Bendigo station • Better access for people with a disability on buses 49 07 NEXT STEPS

DELIVERING THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT AGENCIES REGIONAL NETWORK PARTNERSHIPS WORKING TOGETHER DEVELOPMENT PLAN WILL TAKE STRONG Victoria’s Regional Statement All transport agencies established nine new Regional will work together to deliver PARTNERSHIPS AND Partnerships to direct local an integrated public COLLABORATION priorities straight into the heart transport system. of State Government decision ACROSS ALL LEVELS Key partners in planning making. They bring together OF GOVERNMENT, Victoria’s future regional representatives from local transport will be transport BUSINESS AND LOCAL business, education, social and economic development COMMUNITIES. services and community agencies, including Public groups with the three tiers Transport Victoria, V/Line, of government. The Regional VicRoads, the Taxi Services Partnerships will have a critical Commission and the role in supporting the delivery Department of Economic of the Regional Network Development, Jobs, Transport Development Plan and and Resources. We will work providing local feedback. together to build on Victoria’s The development of the regional transport strengths Regional Network Development and deliver improvements Plan has highlighted the where they are needed most. importance of integrated long The plan will be refreshed every term planning and the strong four years to reflect changes interest that the community in demographics and travel has in public transport. Local demands, and to continue governments and communities to reflect ongoing community will have a vital and significant conversations between voice in planning and delivering regional Victorians and future regional transport. the State Government. We will also involve stakeholders and peak associations. We must work together to develop local transport solutions, and master plans in order for them to be effective.

50 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan LOCAL TRANSPORT FORUMS

While the workshops and online forums to inform the development of this plan have ended, the conversations do not end here. We will set up local transport forums to bring together transport providers, stakeholders and local communities to provide regional Victorians with the opportunity to have their say on their public transport needs. Have your say any time on the PTV website – ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007 between 6am and midnight, seven days a week.

51 NOTES

52 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan NOTES

53 54 Connecting Regional Victoria Regional Network Development Plan 55 DEDJTR 9775/16