Commuters on the Ballarat line have been promised an extra 40 weekly train trips between Ballarat and Melbourne if the Napthine government is re-elected.
The extra services will mean trains will run between Ballarat and the city every 40 minutes during off-peak times. The new services will start in January, 2017.
Liberal candidate for Buninyong Ben Taylor said the move would benefit neighbouring towns as much as it would Ballarat.
“All these extra trains will stop at Ballan, Bacchus Marsh and Melton as well as commence or terminate at Ballarat,” Mr Taylor said. “So it’s about improving access to jobs in Melton or Ballarat for all residents along the line.”
Liberal candidate for Wendouree Craig Coltman was thrilled by the announcement.
“The Coalition has committed to purchasing 12 new X’Trapolis trains from Alstom Ballarat and now we’re bringing Ballarat and Melbourne closer together with much better off-peak train frequency,” he said.
The Napthine government has promised at least one extra week-day service for Albury, Ararat, Echuca, Warrnambool, Sale, Maryborough, Traralgon and Shepparton. Swan Hill and Bairnsdale will get an extra return Sunday train.
The state election is on Saturday. Pre-polling has already started.
