Train upgrade for Melton

Melton trains will run more frequently to and from the city, with an extra 18 services on the Ballarat line being added this month.

V/Line timetables will include the new weekend and weekday train services from August 23.

Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said five extra services on Saturdays and four on Sundays would cut waiting times for trains from 90 to 60 minutes.

For people visiting Melbourne and attending mid-week events, the late-night service on Fridays departing Southern Cross Station at 11.55pm for Ballarat, which stops at Melton, will be extended to run each week night.

Ms Pulford said one weekday off-peak service would be added in the evening from Southern Cross to Ballarat, departing at 9.17pm and stopping at Melton.

“We’re giving people in the west more options in how they get home on a weeknight or the weekend,” she said.

Ms Pulford said the government had invested in 39 new VLocity carriages on top of the existing order of 48 to add capacity.

Melton passengers will also benefit from the Regional Rail Revival of the Victorian and federal governments, with $518 million to be spent on the duplication of the Ballarat line from Deer Park West to Melton, allowing for more services and future electrification.