The Andrews Labor Government will introduce 44 extra services for Wyndham Vale and Tarneit every week from late August as part of a new V/Line timetable that will add more than 140 new services across Victoria.

Thirty of the new services will run on the weekend – 14 on Saturdays and 16 on Sundays – meaning trains every 40 minutes on average on the weekend between 7:00am and 7:00pm, rather than every hour as they are now.

Ten new services will also be introduced in the evening on weekdays and a late night service that currently just runs on Friday will run every weeknight.

Five trains each week change from services originating in Warrnambool, to services originating in Wyndham Vale, meaning more room for local passengers.

The new stations in Wyndham Vale and Tarneit were built as part of the $3.65 billion Regional Rail Link project, which was funded, started and opened by State and Federal Labor Governments.

Since then, the stations have become some of the most popular on the V/Line network. The extra services announced today will cater for this growing demand, and build on the extra services added in January.

Today’s announcement puts further pressure on the Turnbull Government to finally fund regional rail in tonight’s Federal Budget.

Victorians are tired of being short changed by the Turnbull Government on infrastructure funding, particularly regional Victorians, given the Federal Coalition is supposed to represent large parts of country Victoria.

The Labor Government is doing its bit – investing billions in new regional trains, train line upgrades and better services – but can’t keep doing all the heavy lifting alone.

It’s time for the Turnbull Government to give Victoria its fair share, so we can deliver better regional rail across Victoria.

The timings of coaches and buses that connect with trains will be adjusted to reflect the new timetable, which will start on 27 August 2017 and be available from ptv.vic.gov.au in July.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“These new services will make a real difference – reducing waiting and crowding for local passengers, particularly on weekends.”

“It’s time for the Turnbull Government to stop ignoring Victoria and give us our money, so we can keep improving services to Wyndham and across Victoria.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Tarneit Telmo Languiller

“Labor funded, started and delivered these stations, and now we’re adding services as these communities continue to grow.”

“The new services will better connect local passengers to work, education and each other – and get them home safer and sooner at the end of the day.”