Wyndham residents are getting behind the regional rail operator V/Line as it celebrates 40 years of getting Victorians where they need to go – marking a major milestone for the regional rail operator.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas congratulated the rail operator on this milestone saying that while it had modernised in the past 40 years, it still had the same dedication to getting regional Victorians to where they needed to go.

Geelong regional driver and supervisor John Mitchell has driven with V/Line for 40 years. He said V/Line had grown from a small state railway system to a large operator servicing communities far and wide.

Today, V/Line has more than 2250 rail and 1500 coach services operating every week, with the 107^th modern VLocity train recently being introduced into service and regional fare caps bringing equity for regional travellers.

The V/Line brand was launched on 21 August 1983 by the then Transport Minister Steve Crabb with a bright orange train uniform and green and white V/Line logo at Spencer Street Station.

Special services ran to Essendon to mark the occasion.

Record investment in public transport by the Andrews Labor Government is only adding to the significant transformation of the regional network.

This year’s Budget included $219.4 million towards the introduction of additional passenger services, $601 million to deliver 23 new VLocity trains and $322 million towards Stage 2 of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility project.

The $4 billion Regional Rail Revival program means every passenger rail line across the state is being upgraded.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“V/Line has had a huge impact on Victorians over the past 40 years, providing critical connections across the state and supporting regional Victorians and their communities.”

“The regional fare cap is one of the biggest changes we’ve seen at V/Line in the past 40 years, no matter what your postcode we’ve brought in a capped fare for all Victorians and with more than 7.6 million trips since its introduction on 31 March, it’s incredibly popular.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“It’s great to be able to celebrate with V/Line as they reach this important 40^th anniversary of keeping regional Victorians connected to where they need to go.”

Quote attributable to V/Line Chief Executive Officer Matt Carrick

“Today is an important day to reflect on our proud history of serving the Victorian community for the past 40 years and with so much investment in the regional rail network, the future is bright for V/Line and our passengers.”

Quotes attributable to Geelong Regional Driver Supervisor, John Mitchell

“I’ve never regretted a day on the job at V/Line. Every day you are here is a good day – it’s really been a fantastic journey.”

“The metal ice box that I used to drive from in winter or the hot box in summer is so different – today it’s comfortable and modern.”