Tuesday, 8 September 2026

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (14:26): I am delighted that six-carriage VLocity trains will soon operate on the Warrnambool line, delivering much-needed extra capacity on our busiest services, which are Fridays and weekends at the moment. It is terrific news for the whole south-west region, including Portland, Heywood and other communities. As demand grows on the service, since we capped regional fares to the equivalent of city fares, with savings of up to $70 for a return trip for many adults from Warrnambool, for example, we are adapting the services being provided. Passengers on the Warrnambool line will also now be able to tap and go, which is a wonderful thing, bringing us again in line with all other regional and city communities. Testing and regulatory approvals are underway, with six-carriage trains expected on the busy Friday and weekend services later this year. With more carriages, cheaper fares and easier payments, it is a great outcome for south-west Victorians. I would like to thank former minister Gabrielle Williams for putting up with my advocacy and the current minister Vicki Ward for providing a fantastic outcome for the Warrnambool line.