Forty-five new train services will be added to the Geelong rail line, including more trains between Southern Cross and Wyndham Vale, from January 31.
They are part of an extra 450 weekly train services will be added to timetables in Victoria under a shake-up being hailed as the biggest change since the creation of the City Loop.
An extra 280 new metropolitan train services and 170 regional services will be added to the network each week, giving Victorians more options on their journeys and providing more space for physical distancing.
The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed the way Victorians use public transport, and with more people now moving around the state, these services will help reduce crowding.
The new timetable will deliver more trains during the peak on many regional lines, and greater frequency around the peak in metropolitan Melbourne – increasing trains during busy morning and afternoon periods to encourage passengers to stagger their weekday travel.
To make it easier for metropolitan passengers to travel during quieter times and physically distance as Victoria recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, off-peak fares will be discounted for three months. From 31 January 2021, anyone using myki money between 9.30am and 4pm or after 7pm on weekdays will receive a 30 per cent discount.
Those who rely on local bus services to access trains will see new timetables to ensure they make their train connections – rolling out better timetables for 320 suburban bus routes by 11 April 2021, and re-coordinating 40 V/line coaches with the new train timetable from 31 January 2021.
To keep passengers safe the extensive cleaning of all trains, trams, buses, stations and myki facilities will continue across the network and hand sanitising facilities have been introduced at key stations and stops.
Victorians are reminded to always wear a mask when on public transport, never travel when unwell, practise good hygiene and physically distance from others wherever possible.
Timetables will be available at ptv.vic.gov.au from 8 January 2021.
