This month marks the 20th anniversary since V/Line passenger trains returned to Ararat, after a Labor Government reversed the Kennett Liberal-National Government’s closure.
V/Line passenger trains started rolling into Ararat in July 2004 after a 10-year hiatus and the line continues to provide a vital public transport service to the communities of western Victoria today, proving even more popular after the Labor Government introduced fairer fares through the regional fare cap.
The trains were welcomed back with community celebrations at Beaufort and Ararat stations in July 2004 following a significant investment by the Bracks Labor Government to upgrade the track.
Two decades on, this Labor Government continues to invest in the Ararat Line, including upgraded stabling to enable extra services to operate with modern and reliable VLocity trains.
More than 60 weekly services now operate between Ararat and Melbourne each week, carrying 70,000 passengers on average each month.
Planning is also underway for the introduction of two additional return services per day on Saturdays and Sundays on the Ararat Line, as part of almost 200 extra weekend services to be delivered across the network over coming years.
The introduction of the Labor Government’s regional fare cap means passengers travelling between Ararat and Melbourne now pay a maximum of $10.60 per day, compared to $31 for a one-way trip before the fare cap was introduced.
In the first year of the fare cap, more than 708,000 passenger trips were taken on the Ararat Line.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
“Twenty years ago, a Labor Government brought V/Line passenger services back to the Ararat Line after the Kennett Liberal-National Government closed them, and we’re continuing to invest in the line to ensure locals are getting the service they deserve.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett
“Twenty years on, our rural communities are still so grateful for the return of passenger rail to Beaufort and Ararat. I’m proud to be part of a government that has delivered modern trains, daily services, and cheaper fares for our communities.”
