Extra speed for rural trains

A NEW era of train travel began this week with the unveiling of the regional fast rail service that is touted to set new standards in rail travel.
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor rode on the new Vlocity service, which will cater for commuters in Nar Nar Goon, Garfield and other rural areas, on Sunday.
Mr Batchelor said the new timetable was part of the biggest change in the history of Victorian rail.
“There are 81 more services each week for Warragul with a better mix of stopping, semiexpress and flagship services,” Mr Batchelor said.
The improvements to the VLine rail service were the subject of plenty of debate in the community when the new timetable was released a couple of months ago.
Local commuters were outraged by changes to peak hour services, prompting the State Government to announce modifications in a bid to appease residents in Nar Nar Goon, Garfield, Tynong and other country areas.
Narracan MP Ian Maxfield said the regional fast rail project saw tracks rebuilt, and signals and level crossings upgraded.