Albury line

After February 2008, train services on the line terminated at Wangaratta station, with road coaches operating from Wangaratta to Albury. This was due to the deteriorating track conditions between Seymour and Albury which were resulting in train speeds being reduced from {{convert|115|to|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}},{{cite web |title=News - New timetable for Melbourne <> Albury services |url=http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/en/21/1209/article.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113805/http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/en/21/1209/article.aspx |archive-date=6 July 2011 |access-date=2008-03-29 |publisher=www.vline.com.au}} and trains not being able to make the return journey in the timetabled period.

On 30 May 2008, the then Premier of Victoria John Brumby announced the broad gauge track between Seymour and Albury would be converted to standard gauge, with the project to be combined with the Wodonga Rail Bypass away from the Wodonga CBD. Three V/Line passenger locomotives and 15 passenger carriages were also to be converted to standard gauge to operate the service.{{cite web |title=Premier of Victoria, Australia - FEDERAL-STATE CO-OPERATION DELIVERS MAJOR RAIL PROJECT |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/federal-state-co-operation-delivers-major-rail-project.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080917141800/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/federal-state-co-operation-delivers-major-rail-project.html |archive-date=17 September 2008 |access-date=2008-05-30 |publisher=www.premier.vic.gov.au}} Although the project was planned for completion by 2010,{{cite news |date=2008-05-30 |title=Full Steam Ahead |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/30/2260001.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=2008-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212031340/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/30/2260001.htm |archive-date=12 February 2011}} it was not finished until the end of June 2011. While the gauge conversion program was being carried out, all Albury services operated as road coaches north of Seymour, connecting with trains operating between Seymour and Melbourne. 68 seats on the NSW TrainLink Melbourne-Sydney XPT service were also made available at V/Line ticket prices.{{cite web |title=Albury Line / North East rail upgrade works ~ V/Line |url=http://www.vline.com.au/home/latestnews/alburyline.html |access-date=2008-12-24 |publisher=www.vline.com.au}}{{dead link|date=June 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}

Rail services on standard gauge commenced on 26 June 2011 with one service each way each day between Albury and Melbourne. A second daily train service was added from 31 October, with a third daily service commencing operations 22 April 2012, marking the end of road coach replacements on the line.{{cite web |author=Bronwen Wade |date=26 June 2011 |title=They're back: V/Line trains return |url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/06/26/3253685.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113034222/http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/06/26/3253685.htm |archive-date=13 November 2012 |access-date=5 July 2011 |work=ABC Goulburn Murray}} However, serious problems soon emerged with the condition of the standard gauge track north of Seymour, meaning that the new service became very unreliable due to speed restrictions, and trains were regularly replaced by buses.{{cite news |author1=Coughlan, Kate |author2=Thomas, Di |date=2012-08-31 |title=V/Line admits defeat |newspaper=The Border Mail |url=http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/292298/vline-admits-defeat/ |url-status=live |access-date=2013-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728101029/http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/292298/vline-admits-defeat/ |archive-date=28 July 2015}}{{cite news |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=2012-12-17 |title=$290m loss on botched rail line |newspaper=The Age |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/290m-loss-on-botched-rail-line-20121216-2bhwj.html |url-status=live |access-date=2013-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130218232926/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/290m-loss-on-botched-rail-line-20121216-2bhwj.html |archive-date=18 February 2013}}

{{see also|Regional Rail Revival}}

File:Last Rostered N Class From Albury.jpg leading the last regular locomotive-hauled service from Albury on 30 July 2022.|left]]

The North East Line Upgrade was completed in December 2020 as part of the Regional Rail Revival Program. Upgrades included track resurfacing, rail bridge upgrades, renewal of track turnouts at Violet Town and Seymour, a number of level crossing closures and upgrades, and upgrades to train stabling and accessibility at Albury station etc.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-05 |title=Donnybrook Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/donnybrook-and-wallan-station-upgrades/donnybrook-station |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-12-05 |title=Wallan Station |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/donnybrook-and-wallan-station-upgrades/wallan-station |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-06 |title=North East Line Upgrade |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/north-east-line-upgrade |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} VLocity DMUs began running on the line on 30 December 2021.{{Cite web |title=Modern VLocity trains for Albury line passengers |url=https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/2021/December/Modern-VLocity-trains-for-Albury-line-passengers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108234723/https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/2021/December/Modern-VLocity-trains-for-Albury-line-passengers |archive-date=8 January 2022 |date=30 December 2021|access-date=2022-01-08 |website=V/Line|url-status=dead}} The final scheduled locomotive-hauled service on the Albury line ran on 30 July 2022, and was led by V/Lines N class locomotive N464.{{cite news |last1=Bunn |first1=Anthony |date=31 July 2022 |title=There was no hoopla from V/Line but train enthusiasts were keen to savour the moment as the N Class era ended |work=The Border Mail |url=https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/7840976/rail-buffs-out-as-an-era-ends-for-north-east-train-services/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=1 August 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220801020954/https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/7840976/rail-buffs-out-as-an-era-ends-for-north-east-train-services/ |archive-date=1 August 2022}} A new train timetable was introduced on 28 August 2022 with shorter journey times on all services.{{Cite web |title=Faster VLocity Services On The Way For North East Line {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/faster-vlocity-services-way-north-east-line |date=22 July 2022|access-date=2023-07-20 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/about-ptv/improvements-and-projects/train-and-rail/timetable-changes-on-the-albury-line/|title=Timetable changes on the Albury line|website=Public Transport Victoria|access-date=21 January 2024}}

{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-lat=-36.928283961925445|frame-long=145.9770441943275|frame-width=440|frame-height=500|frame-align=right|text=Interactive map of the Albury service in north eastern Victoria.|zoom=8|type=line|id=Q7055251|stroke-colour=#7B3D92|stroke-width=8|title=Albury line}}

From Southern Cross railway station, the service runs through Melbourne Yard, then along the South Kensington–West Footscray railway line, the Albion–Jacana railway line, and then the North East line from Jacana station (where it does not stop) to Albury station. The entire route is along the Sydney–Melbourne rail corridor.

The line serves 12 stations across {{convert|304.9|km}} of track. All stations are at ground level and within Victoria, with one station (Albury station) located in the neighbouring state of New South Wales.

V/Line operates three daily passenger trains in each direction on the full length from Southern Cross station in Melbourne to Albury station in New South Wales.{{cite web|url=https://www.vline.com.au/getattachment/90b9a59e-f637-4c36-973c-02e404ba4266/Albury-Wodonga-Melbourne-(via-Wangaratta-Bena)|title=Albury Line timetable|website=V/Line|date=23 October 2022|access-date=21 January 2024}} Services run express and parallel to the Seymour and Shepparton V/Line services between Broadmeadows and Seymour stations. Services also do not stop between Southern Cross and Broadmeadows.

At other times, V/Line coaches also provide alternative connections between Seymour, Wangaratta and Albury.

{{Main articles|V/Line VLocity}}

The Albury service is classified by V/Line as a long-distance service and is run by six dedicated standard gauge VLocity sets, built specifically for the Albury line service. Each VLocity set consist of three carriages and accommodates 164 seats in a 2+2 configuration, six accessible spaces and storage for up to six bicycles. Toilets and luggage racks are available in addition to other amenities. The middle carriage is a buffet car, meaning cafe facilities are also available on-board all Albury services.{{Cite web |last=Department of Transport |date=2020-04-23 |title=Design unveiled for new North East VLocity trains |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au:443/about/transport-news/news-archive/design-unveiled-for-new-north-east-vlocity-trains |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314091453/https://transport.vic.gov.au/about/transport-news/news-archive/design-unveiled-for-new-north-east-vlocity-trains |archive-date=14 March 2022 |access-date=2020-07-04 |website=transport.vic.gov.au |language=en-au |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |title=On board with V/Line |url=https://www.vline.com.au/Fares-general-info/On-board |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515115546/https://www.vline.com.au/Fares-general-info/On-board |archive-date=15 May 2023 |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=V/Line - Regional public transport for Victoria}}

The new VLocity sets had no first class cars when they were first introduced. The lack of first class became irrelevant with the introduction of daily fare caps in March 2023 which removed any differentiation between first class and economy class seating.{{Gazette VIC|title=Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983|file=GG2023S143|page=5, 11|date=27 March 2023|url=https://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2023/GG2023S143.pdf|access-date=1 November 2023}}

Before the VLocity sets were introduced, the service was locomotive hauled. Each individual carriage accommodated 74 seats in a 2+2 configuration, with each train set having two passenger cars and a cafe car.{{cite web |title=Media Release: NEW LOOK V/LINE FLEET TAKES TO THE TRACKS |url=http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/955cbeae7df9460dca256c8c00152d2b/56769d574d6b77c0ca257354007f40c1!OpenDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727030121/http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/955cbeae7df9460dca256c8c00152d2b/56769d574d6b77c0ca257354007f40c1!OpenDocument |archive-date=27 July 2011 |access-date=2008-03-16 |publisher=www.dpc.vic.gov.au|url-status=dead}}

Prior to V/Line taking back operation of the Albury service from National Express in 2002, there had been 5 previous operators.{{Cite web |title=Coalition Government plans revealed on the privatisation of V/line Rail Services |url=http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/coalition-government-plans-revealed-on-the-privatisation-of-v-line-rail-services |access-date=2023-07-16 |website=Railpage}} The majority of operations on the line have been government run, with these operators including the Victorian Railways, the State Transport Authority, and the Public Transport Corporation.{{cite web |title=V/Line Background |url=http://www.vline.com.au/about/news/en/12/157/article.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113547/http://www.vline.com.au/about/news/en/12/157/article.aspx |archive-date=6 July 2011 |access-date=2008-03-27 |publisher=vline.com.au}}

In compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992, all stations that are new-built or rebuilt are fully accessible and comply with these guidelines.{{Cite web |title=Accessibility – Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria |url=https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084345/https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=www.ptovic.com.au}} The majority of stations on the corridor are fully accessible, however, there are some stations that haven't been upgraded to meet these guidelines.{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Station accessibility features |url=https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208020143/https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=13 May 2023 |website=Metro Trains Melbourne}} These stations do feature ramps, however, they have a gradient greater than 1 in 14. Stations that are fully accessible feature ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14, have at-grade paths, or feature lifts. These stations typically also feature tactile boarding indicators, independent boarding ramps, wheelchair accessible myki barriers, hearing loops, and widened paths.{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Accessing public transport |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206144538/https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |archive-date=6 December 2022 |access-date=13 May 2023 |website=City of Melbourne}}

Projects improving station accessibility have included the Regional Rail Revival (RRL) program, which involves station rebuilds and upgrades.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=2022-12-14 |title=Now arriving: Warrnambool's 5th weekday return service |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/regional-rail-revival/warrnambool/Now-arriving-Warrnambools-5th-weekday-return-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413091041/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/regional-rail-revival/warrnambool/Now-arriving-Warrnambools-5th-weekday-return-service |archive-date=13 April 2023 |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} These works have made significant strides in improving network accessibility, with more than 58% of the stations on the line classed as fully accessible. This number is expected to grow within the coming years as works progress on the RRL.{{Cite web |last=Public Transport Victoria |title=Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025 |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/1706/albury-melbourne-via-seymour Albury line timetable]
• [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/#networkmaps Network map]
• {{commonscat-inline|Albury V/Line rail service}}

{{Victorian Railway Lines|vline}}

{{AustralianInterstateRail}}

{{Regional Victoria public transport}}

Category:V/Line rail services

Category:Public transport routes in the City of Melbourne (LGA)

Category:Transport in the City of Hume