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Warrnambool line

{{Short description|Passenger rail service in Victoria, Australia}}

{{about|the V/Line service|the physical railway|Warrnambool railway line}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Use Australian English|date=May 2015}}

{{Infobox rail service

| name = Warrnambool

| color = {{rcr|V/Line|Warrnambool}}

| logo = {{ric|V/Line|Warrnambool|size=100px}}

| image = Breakwater-bridge-geelong.jpg

| image_width = 250px

| caption = V/Line train crossing the Barwon River in Geelong

| type = Regional rail

| status = Operational

| system = Victorian railway network

| locale = Victoria, Australia

| predecessor = {{Plainlist|

  • Winchelsea (1876–1877)
  • Colac (1877–1883)
  • Camperdown (1883–1887)
  • Terang (1887–1890)
  • Port Fairy (1890–1977)
  • The Flyer ^ (1927–{{circa|1967}})
  • The Westcoaster (1987–{{circa|2004}})

}}

^ outbound only

| first = {{Start date and age|1876|11|25|df=y}}

| last =

| successor =

| operator = V/Line

| formeroperator = {{Plainlist|

}}

| ridership =

| ridership2 =

| website = {{twitter|vline_geelong|V/Line Geelong}}

| start = {{rwsa|Southern Cross}}

| stops = 21

| end = {{rwsa|Warrnambool}}

| distance = {{Convert|267.3|km|abbr=on}}

| journeytime = 3 hours 37 minutes

| frequency = {{blist|5 express services weekdays|3 express services weekend|1 local service weekend|}}

| line_used = Serviceton, Deer Park–West Werribee, Port Fairy

| class = First and economy

| access = Yes

| seating =

| catering = No

| baggage = Yes

| otherfacilities =

| stock = VLocity

| gauge = {{Track gauge|1600 mm}}

| el =

| owners = VicTrack

| routenumber =

| maintenance =

| map = {{Warrnambool V/Line Service|inline=yes}}

| map_state = collapsed

}}

The Warrnambool line is a long-distance regional rail service in Victoria, Australia. Operated by V/Line, it is the state's fourth longest railway line at {{convert|267.3|km}}. The line runs from Southern Cross station in central Melbourne to Warrnambool station in the south-west, serving 21 stations via Wyndham Vale, Geelong, Waurn Ponds, and Colac.{{Cite web |title=Warrnambool – Melbourne via Colac & Geelong |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907155122/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |archive-date=7 September 2018 |access-date=22 May 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}} The line has five return services each weekday and four return services on weekends. Trains on the Warrnambool service run with three-car Vlocity units.{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=Jeff |date=20 June 2018 |title=Buffets On VLocitys |url=http://www.rtbuvic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/RTBU-EXPRESS-10-2018.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704093615/http://www.rtbuvic.com.au/wp-content/uploads/RTBU-EXPRESS-10-2018.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2018 |access-date=4 July 2018 |work=RTBU Express |publisher=Rail, Tram and Bus Union Victorian Branch |page=2}}{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=2024 regional timetable change |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/about-ptv/improvements-and-projects/train-and-rail/2024-regional-timetable-change/ |access-date=2024-12-15 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}

The service was taken over by V/Line after the closure of West Coast Railway in 2004. The track that the service operates on was originally built to connect Melbourne with the rural towns of Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool, and Port Fairy, amongst others. Sections of the Port Fairy line opened as early as 1857, with the line fully extended to Warrnambool in February 1890. A section of the line between Warrnambool and Port Fairy was closed in 1977 due to limited demand. Today V/Line only operates as far as Warrnambool.

Since the 2010s, there have been a number of upgrades to the line to improve the speed, accessibility and frequency of the service, including the Regional Rail Link, the Regional Rail Revival, and the planned Geelong Fast Rail project.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=14 December 2022 |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 |access-date=20 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2023 |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 |url-status=live }}

History

= 19th century =

{{Main|Warrnambool railway line#19th century}}

The line to Geelong was originally built by the Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company and opened on 25 June 1857, with the line being sold to the Victorian Railways in 1860.{{cite web |title=Rail Geelong – Geelong Line History |url=http://railgeelong.com/lineguide.php?line=geelong |access-date=28 March 2008 |publisher=railgeelong.com |archive-date=7 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007032233/http://www.railgeelong.com/lineguide.php?line=geelong |url-status=live }} The line was designed by English engineer Edward Snell, and built as a single track. The line was later extended south-west, to Winchelsea in 1876, Colac in 1877, Camperdown in 1883, Terang in 1877, and finally Warrnambool, Dennington, and Port Fairy in 1890. The line is now closed beyond Warrnambool, with the last train leaving Port Fairy in September 1977.{{cite web |title=The Geelong Story |url=http://www.historyvictoria.org.au/pdf/Geelong.pdf |access-date=7 June 2006 |publisher=History Victoria |archive-date=20 June 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060620095457/http://historyvictoria.org.au/pdf/Geelong.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |date=June 1998 |title=Closed Line – Dennington to Port Fairy |magazine=Newsrail |publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society |page=185}}

= 20th century =

{{Main|Warrnambool railway line#20th century}}

In the early 20th century, a similar service named "The Flyer" was introduced as an extension of the Geelong Flier to Port Fairy. The service shaved 90 minutes off the whole journey, compared with the schedule of its predecessors. This service was operated by the longer-distance E-class carriages and lasted until about 1967.

Whilst the track beyond Waurn Ponds station is mostly single with some passing loops, many duplication projects have occurred along the Geelong section of the line. The section from North Geelong to Geelong was duplicated late April 1922.{{Cite news |date=14 December 1928 |title=Geelong Line Duplication |work=Geelong Advertiser |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232432490 |access-date=22 May 2023 |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710131202/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232432490 |url-status=live }} 37 years later in 1959, the section of track from Corio to North Geelong was duplicated. In 1979 the track from Werribee to Little River was duplicated and the sections from Little River to Lara and Lara to Corio in 1981.{{Cite web |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240703568?searchTerm=geelong%20line%20duplication |title=25 Mar 1980 – CONTRACTS ARRANGED – Trove |access-date=22 May 2023 |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522104117/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/240703568?searchTerm=geelong%20line%20duplication |url-status=live }} The Regional Rail Revival project will duplicate the track from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds in late 2024.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=1 May 2023 |title=South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-line-upgrade/projects/geelong-line-duplication |access-date=22 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=22 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522102452/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-line-upgrade/projects/geelong-line-duplication |url-status=live }}

In September 1977, the line beyond Warrnambool was closed, with the final service to Port Fairy being hauled by a Victorian Railways B75 locomotive on 12 September.

In the 1980s the Victorian Railways decided to give names to its flagship services, to follow on from the previously named "Vinelander" & "Gippslander", and "The Westcoaster" was born. It had buffet facilities on board and shaved minutes off the journey time

West Coast Railway was formed in 1993 when the Kennett government privatised long-distance country rail services previously run by the government-owned operator V/Line to private operators. Bids were lodged in February 1993 with West Coast Railway being announced as the successful tender on 30 April of the same year."Sprinters launched as V/Line franchises let" Railway Gazette International June 1993 page 367 The initial franchise was for eight years with operations commencing on 19 September 1993.[http://www.contracts.vic.gov.au/major/39/WCR_Warrnambool_Services_Agreement.pdf Agreement for the Supply of Passenger Train Services between Warrnambool and Melbourne] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040918084231/http://www.contracts.vic.gov.au/major/39/WCR_Warrnambool_Services_Agreement.pdf |date=18 September 2004 }} Victorian Government The service continued using the name "The Westcoaster" until services were returned to V/Line operation and the name fell into disuse.

= 21st century =

{{Main|Warrnambool V/Line rail service#Future}}In August 2001, Connex purchased a 50% shareholding of West Coast Railway.{{Cite web |last=International2001-09-01T10:00:00 |first=Railway Gazette |title=Connex still expanding |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/connex-still-expanding/30288.article |access-date=21 May 2023 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921104834/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/connex-still-expanding/30288.article |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=10 December 2021 |title=Clarification From Connex Re: TranzScenic |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0112/S00052/clarification-from-connex-re-tranzscenic.htm |access-date=2 January 2022 |publisher=Scoop |archive-date=2 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102033522/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0112/S00052/clarification-from-connex-re-tranzscenic.htm |url-status=live }} In 2003, Connex sold its shareholding to Australian Public Trustees."Intelligence" Railway Gazette International December 2003 page 763 West Coast Railway continued to operate the line until 2004 when the contract was handed back the government with V/Line resuming operation of the line.File:SherwoodParkStation1.jpgSince transfer to V/Line, five new stations have opened on the line: Marshall station in 2004, Sherwood Park station, near Warrnambool, in 2006, Waurn Ponds station in 2014, and Tarneit and Wyndham Vale in 2015.{{cite web |title=Rail Geelong – Marshall Station |url=http://railgeelong.com/locations.php?id=32&name=Marshall |access-date=28 March 2008 |publisher=railgeelong.com |archive-date=28 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028111413/http://www.railgeelong.com/locations.php?id=32&name=Marshall |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Public transport – Regional railway station projects |url=http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/5B8CEA11A3D8F676CA2571F800022DAD?OpenDocument |access-date=28 March 2008 |publisher=www.doi.vic.gov.au |archive-date=4 June 2009 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090604225542/http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/5B8CEA11A3D8F676CA2571F800022DAD?OpenDocument |url-status=live }}

From 29 January 2017, V/Line started running a fourth service return service on weekdays with Sunday road coach services being replaced by trains. This meant that three Sunday train services ran in both directions instead of two.{{cite news |date=27 April 2016 |title=Extra train service for the Warrnambool Line |work=Warrnambool Standard |url=http://www.standard.net.au/story/3873983/extra-train-service-for-warrnambool-line/ |access-date=2 April 2017 |archive-date=3 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403015315/http://www.standard.net.au/story/3873983/extra-train-service-for-warrnambool-line/ |url-status=live }} Following the timetable change in late August 2017, weekday Warrnambool trains no longer serve Wyndham Vale or Tarneit stations. In December 2018, due to a lack of available rolling stock, H carriages were used on the line past Geelong for the first time.{{cite journal |date=March 2019 |title=Observations |journal=Newsrail |publisher=Australian Railway Historical Society |volume=47 |issue=3 |page=82}} H carriages are no longer used on the Warrnambool service.

From 31 March 2023, the cost of V/Line rail tickets were capped to the same fare as metropolitan services, with daily fares being capped at $9.20 or $4.60 for concession.{{Cite web |title=Countdown To Cheaper Regional Fares For Victorians {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/countdown-cheaper-regional-fares-victorians |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417034025/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/countdown-cheaper-regional-fares-victorians |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Regional fare cap |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2023/02/14/regional-fare-cap/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413091042/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2023/02/14/regional-fare-cap/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Fairer regional fares for Victoria |url=https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/2023/March/Regional-fare-cap-is-coming |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=V/Line – Regional public transport for Victoria |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413091043/https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/2023/March/Regional-fare-cap-is-coming |url-status=live }} These changes are expected to bring a large rise in patronage, with fears of overcrowding on V/Line services.{{Cite news |last1= |date=14 April 2023 |title=V/Line commuters abandon trips to regional Victoria to avoid 'uncomfortable' journey |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-14/vline-commuters-abandon-regional-journeys-overcrowded-carriages/102222310 |url-status=live |access-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521040851/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-14/vline-commuters-abandon-regional-journeys-overcrowded-carriages/102222310 |archive-date=21 May 2023}}{{Cite news |last1=Visontay |first1=Elias |last2=Transport |first2=Elias Visontay |last3=reporter |first3=urban affairs |date=30 March 2023 |title=Victorian daily regional train fare cap to slash costs but fears of overcrowding |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/31/victorian-daily-regional-train-fare-cap-to-slash-costs-but-fears-of-overcrowding |access-date=21 May 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521040852/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/31/victorian-daily-regional-train-fare-cap-to-slash-costs-but-fears-of-overcrowding |url-status=live }}

== Regional Rail Link ==

{{Main|Regional Rail Link}}

File:Vline N Class at Wyndham Vale.jpg delivered two new stations, including Wyndham Vale (pictured here).]]

Due to an increase in congestion on the Werribee line where Metro and V/Line services have to share tracks, a proposal was created to construct a separate line for regional trains called the "Tarneit Link". The project was expanded and re-branded as the Regional Rail Link when announced as part of the Brumby Government's Victorian Transport Plan in December 2008.[http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/5608.html Regional Rail Link to Streamline Train Services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409223037/http://archive.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/5608.html |date=9 April 2013 }} Premier of Victoria 8 December 2008 The project was revised to separating all regional trains between Southern Cross and Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, from suburban rail movements, with the proposed route beginning at Southern Cross, travelling through Sunshine and Tarneit to West Werribee.

In December 2013, the first section of the upgrade works were completed and the Warrnambool service could no longer stop at North Melbourne station. On 21 June 2015, the Deer Park–West Werribee railway line opened. Consequently, Warrnambool trains began to run via Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations, rather than via Werribee and Newport stations on the Werribee Line.{{cite press release |title=New timetables from Sunday June 21 – Geelong |url=http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/geelongservicechanges/1648562206/article.aspx |location=Geelong |publisher=V/Line |date=n.d. |access-date=24 June 2015 |archive-date=6 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906060625/http://www.vline.com.au/home/news/geelongservicechanges/1648562206/article.aspx |url-status=live }}

== Level crossing removals ==

{{about|the crossings removed by the Level Crossing Removal Project|the crossings removed by Major Road Projects Victoria|Geelong V/Line rail service|section=yes}}

The Level Crossing Removal Project removed 3 level crossings in the area surrounding Deer Park in 2022 and 2023. The crossing at Robinsons Road was removed by constructing a road tunnel underneath the rail line, with the project being completed in September 2022.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=7 July 2023 |title=Robinsons Road, Deer Park |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/robinsons-road-deer-park |access-date=10 July 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710120040/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/robinsons-road-deer-park |url-status=live }} Another crossing was removed at Mt Derrimut Road via the construction of an elevated rail bridge. This removal also included a newly elevated Deer Park station, car-parking, and public open space.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=9 June 2023 |title=Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/mt-derrimut-road-deer-park |access-date=10 July 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710115816/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/mt-derrimut-road-deer-park |url-status=live }} The final crossing that was removed was the one at Fitzgerald Road in neighbouring suburb of Ardeer. This crossing was removed in April 2022 via the construction of a road bridge over the line.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |first= |date=7 July 2023 |title=Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/fitzgerald-road-ardeer |access-date=10 July 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710120026/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/fitzgerald-road-ardeer |url-status=live }} Despite a large number of remaining crossings on the line, there are no more scheduled to be removed by the Level Crossing Removal Project.

= Regional Rail Revival =

{{about|the upgrades from Waurn Ponds to Warrnambool|the upgrades from Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds|Geelong V/Line rail service#Regional Rail Revival|section=yes}}

In 2017, the Regional Rail Revival program was announced which included an upgrade to the Warrnambool service. The first stage was aimed at allowing a fifth return service to be introduced and involved:{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=6 February 2023 |title=Warrnambool Line Upgrade |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/warrnambool-line-upgrade |access-date=14 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514115230/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/warrnambool-line-upgrade |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=New Services On The Warrnambool Line In December {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-services-warrnambool-line-december |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417231641/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-services-warrnambool-line-december |url-status=live }}

  • Signalling upgrades including the construction of trenches, cabling, and additional infrastructure
  • A new 2.2 km crossing loop at Boorcan
  • 12 level crossing upgrades between Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool with boom gates, flashing lights, bells, and more advanced train detection technology

Stage 1 of the upgrade was completed in December 2022 with a fifth weekday return service introduced between Melbourne and Warrnambool.{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Ray |date=2 November 2022 |title=Extra service for Warrnambool Line |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/extra-service-for-warrnambool-line/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=Rail Express |language=en-AU |archive-date=13 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413091041/https://www.railexpress.com.au/extra-service-for-warrnambool-line/ |url-status=live }} In September 2021, a second stage of upgrades aimed at allowing VLocity trains to operate on the line was announced with a completion date of late 2024. This second stage included:{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=30 November 2022 |title=Stage 2 |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/warrnambool-line-upgrade/projects/stage-2 |access-date=14 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514115231/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/warrnambool-line-upgrade/projects/stage-2 |url-status=live }}

  • Upgrades to train detection technology at more than 50 public level crossings
  • Installation of boom gates, bells, and flashing lights at 17 of those crossings
  • The upgrade of stabling facilities at Warrnambool Station
  • Track upgrades to replace old wooden sleepers

Following the project's completion, there are now no unprotected public level crossings on the line, with all protected by boom gates and flashing lights. Additionally, following this project's completion, VLocity trains began operation, and after March 2025, VLocity trains ran all services.

Future

= Geelong Fast Rail =

{{Main|Western Rail Plan#Geelong Fast Rail}}

The Western Rail Plan is a plan that aims to improve the quality of rail services in Melbournes western suburbs through infrastructure upgrades on a range of metropolitan and regional lines.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=29 November 2022 |title=Western Rail Plan |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/western-rail-plan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302215402/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/western-rail-plan |archive-date=2 March 2021 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} Geelong Fast Rail was one project identified in the Western Rail Plan as a matter of priority, as it would allow for Geelong and Warrnambool services to travel back via the Werribee line, cutting travel time and allowing electrification of other corridors to occur which are currently being served exclusively by V/Line trains.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=3 October 2022 |title=Geelong Fast Rail |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-fast-rail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301042856/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-fast-rail |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}} Phase 1 of Geelong Fast Rail will consist of the following projects aimed at cutting travel times by 15 minutes:

  • New track between Werribee and Laverton dedicated to regional services
  • Upgrades and widening of bridges over main roads, creeks, and rivers
  • Upgraded stations at Werribee and Laverton
  • Signalling and train control system upgrades

Construction on the project expected to get underway in 2023, with the Australian and Victorian governments committing $2 billion each to the project which is expected to create 2800 new jobs.{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=27 January 2021 |title=Faster rail services for Geelong on the way |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/geelong-fast-rail/faster-rail-services-for-geelong-on-the-way |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508083702/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/geelong-fast-rail/faster-rail-services-for-geelong-on-the-way |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}

Network and operations

= Services =

On weekdays, there are five express services per day. All Melbourne-bound services operate express between Geelong and Southern Cross, stopping only at Footscray.{{Cite web |url=https://d309ul1fvo6zfp.cloudfront.net/1683720257359/vline-1853-2023-07-10-2023-12-31.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=13 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230513123538/https://d309ul1fvo6zfp.cloudfront.net/1683720257359/vline-1853-2023-07-10-2023-12-31.pdf |url-status=live }} On weekends and public holidays, there are a total of five services per day.{{Cite web |title=Extra services and more weekend travel options |url=https://www.vline.com.au/News-Alerts/News-Articles/2025/February/Extra-services-and-more-weekend-travel-options |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=V/Line - Regional public transport for Victoria}}

Train services on the line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle coach services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters.{{Cite news |date=15 November 2016 |title=Where do train replacement buses come from? |publisher=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214224815/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |archive-date=14 December 2022}}

== Stopping patterns ==

Legend — Station status

  • ◼ Premium Station – Station staffed from first to last train
  • ◻ Host Station – Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network.

Legend — Stopping patterns

  • ● – All trains stop
  • ◐ – Some services do not stop
  • ▲ – Only inbound trains stop
  • ▼ – Only outbound trains stop
  • | – Trains pass and do not stop

{{Table alignment}}

class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left"

! colspan="4" style="background:#{{rcr|V/Line|Warrnambool}};" |Warrnambool Services{{cite web |title=V/Line Train & Coach timetables |url=https://www.vline.com.au/Timetables/Additional-pages/train-coach-timetable-list |website=V/Line – Regional public transport for Victoria |access-date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512131234/https://www.vline.com.au/Timetables/Additional-pages/train-coach-timetable-list |url-status=live }}

|+

!Station

!Express

!Local down

!Local up

◼ {{rwsa|Southern Cross}}●▼▲
◼ {{rwsa|Footscray}}●▼▲
{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Deer Park}}{{Pipe}}{{Pipe}}◐
◼ {{rwsa|Tarneit}}{{Pipe}}▼▲
◼ {{rwsa|Wyndham Vale}}{{Pipe}}▼▲
◻ {{rwsa|Lara}}{{Pipe}}▼▲
{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Corio}}{{Pipe}}◐▲
{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|North Shore}}{{Pipe}}▼▲
◻ {{rwsa|North Geelong}}▼▼▲
◼ {{rwsa|Geelong}}●▼▲
◼ {{rwsa|South Geelong}}▼▼▲
◻ {{rwsa|Marshall}}▼▼◐
◼ {{rwsa|Waurn Ponds}}●▼▲
◻ {{rwsa|Winchelsea|v}}●▼▲
{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Birregurra}}●▼▲
◻ {{rwsa|Colac}}●▼▲
◻ {{rwsa|Camperdown}}●▼▲
{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Terang}}●▼▲
{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Sherwood Park}}●▼▲
◼ {{rwsa|Warrnambool}}●▼▲

= On-board amenities =

File:VLocity passenger carriage viewed from front — April 2022.jpg

The Warrnambool service is classified by V/Line as a long-distance service. Standard on all V/Line services, toilets and luggage racks are available in addition to other amenities.{{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 |access-date=16 March 2008 |publisher=www.dpc.vic.gov.au |archive-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727030121/http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/955cbeae7df9460dca256c8c00152d2b/56769d574d6b77c0ca257354007f40c1!OpenDocument |url-status=live }} Quiet carriages are available on all services.

= Operators =

File:S302wcr.jpg operated the line for 11 years from 1993 to 2004.]]

Prior to V/Line taking back operation of the Warrnambool service from West Coast Railway in 2004, there had been 3 previous operators. 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=27 March 2008 |publisher=vline.com.au}}

class="wikitable"

!Operator

!Assumed operations

!Ceased operations

!Length of operations

Victorian Railways

|1876

|1983

|107 years

State Transport Authority (V/Line)

|1983

|1989

|6 years

Public Transport Corporation (V/Line)

|1989

|1993

|4 years

West Coast Railway

|1993

|2004

|11 years

V/Line Passenger

|2004

|2010

|6 years

V/Line

|2010

|incumbent

|{{Age|2010|1|1}} years (ongoing)

=Route=

{{maplink|frame=yes|frame-lat=-38.137204|frame-long=143.790181|frame-width=570|frame-height=230|frame-align=right|text=Interactive map of the Warrnambool service in south western Victoria.|zoom=8|type=line|id=Q7970846|stroke-colour=#7B3D92|stroke-width=7|title=Warrnambool line}}

The Warrnambool line forms a somewhat curved route from the Melbourne central business district to its terminus. The route is {{convert|267.3|km}} long and is doubled tracked up until Waurn Ponds where it narrows to one track. Exiting the city, the Warrnambool line traverses somewhat flat country. Past Waurn Ponds the line begins to curve due to the natural terrain. On track constructed as part of the Regional Rail Link, there are numerous cuttings and embankments designed to eliminate new level crossings. After Wyndham Vale, the line has many level crossings especially past Waurn Ponds station.

The line follows the same alignment as the Geelong line until Waurn Ponds where the Geelong line terminates and the Warrnambool line continues onto Warrnambool.{{cite news |author=Stephen Moynihan |date=5 May 2007 |title=The Age – 'Network hits 50-year high as commuters crowd on' |website=The Age |location=Melbourne |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/network-hits-50year-high-as-commuters-crowd-on/2007/05/04/1177788401837.html |access-date=25 May 2007 |archive-date=21 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821034025/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/network-hits-50year-high-as-commuters-crowd-on/2007/05/04/1177788401837.html |url-status=live }} The track up to Waurn Ponds primarily travels through built-up suburbs, industrial areas, and some farm land.{{Cite web |title=Wyndham Vale {{!}} Victorian Places |url=https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/wyndham-vale |access-date=20 May 2023 |website=www.victorianplaces.com.au |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520131709/https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/wyndham-vale |url-status=live }} After Waurn Ponds, the line travels through open countryside and through small regional towns. The portion of the line before Waurn Ponds is one of Melbourne and Victoria's main growth corridors, where farmland is being replaced with housing and commercial developments, leading to a rise in patronage.{{Cite web |last=Higgins |first=Billy |date=7 November 2022 |title=Village plan for controversial Waurn Ponds block |url=https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/geelongtimes/news/village-plan-for-controversial-waurn-ponds-block/ |access-date=20 May 2023 |website=Geelong Times |language=en-AU |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520131701/https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/geelongtimes/news/village-plan-for-controversial-waurn-ponds-block/ |url-status=live }}

= Stations =

The line serves 21 stations across {{convert|267.3|km}} of track. The stations are a mix of lowered and ground level designs. The only station that is not at ground level is Wyndham Vale which was constructed in a lowered fashion as part of the Regional Rail Link in 2015.{{Cite web |date=30 April 2017 |title=Regional Rail Revival |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/regionalrailrevival/ |access-date=22 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730025626/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/regionalrailrevival/ |url-status=live }}

class="wikitable"

!Station

!Accessibility

!Opened

!Terrain

!Train connections

!Other connections

Southern Cross

| rowspan="14" |Yes—step free access

|1859{{Cite web |title=What year did your railway station open? {{!}} Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia) |date=3 August 2018 |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209095505/https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022}}

| rowspan="2" |Ground level

|{{Collapsible list

| title = 27 connections|

  • {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Albury line|Albury V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Albury}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}}
  • {{RouteBox|Cranbourne line|Cranbourne railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Gippsland line|Gippsland V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Gippsland}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|NSW TrainLink Southern|Main Southern railway line|#{{rcr|NSW TrainLink|Southern}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Seymour line|Seymour V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Seymour}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Shepparton line|Tocumwal railway line, Victoria#Shepparton services|#{{rcr|V/Line|Shepparton}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|black}}
  • {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|The Overland|The Overland|#{{rcr|Journey Beyond|The Overland}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}}
  • {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}

}}

|{{Symbol|Melbourne tram logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}} {{Symbol|Melbourne skybus logo.svg|30|SkyBus|link=no}}

{{rwsa|Footscray}}

|1859

|{{Collapsible list

| title = 10 connections|

  • {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|black}}
  • {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Werribee line|Werribee railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}

}}

|{{Symbol|Melbourne tram logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

Deer Park

|1884

|Elevated

|{{Collapsible list

| title = 4 connections|

  • {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}}

}}

| rowspan="3" |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

Tarneit

| rowspan="2" |2015

|Ground level

| rowspan="5" |{{Collapsible list

| title = 1 connection|

  • {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}

}}

Wyndham Vale

|Lowered

Little River

|1857

| rowspan="16" |Ground level

|

Lara

|1856

|{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

Corio

|1890

|

North Shore

|1895

|{{Collapsible list

| title = 2 connections|

  • {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}
  • {{RouteBox|The Overland|The Overland|#{{rcr|Journey Beyond|The Overland}}|white}}

}}

| rowspan="2" |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

North Geelong

|1883

| rowspan="5" |{{Collapsible list

| title = 1 connection|

  • {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}

}}

Geelong

| rowspan="2" |1856

|{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}}

South Geelong

| rowspan="3" |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

Marshall

|2004

Waurn Ponds

|2014

Winchelsea

| rowspan="2" |No—steep ramp

|1876

| rowspan="7" |

| rowspan="2" |

Birregurra

| rowspan="2" |1877

Colac

| rowspan="3" |Yes—step free access

|{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

Camperdown

|1883

| rowspan="2" |{{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}}

Terang

|1877

Sherwood Park

| rowspan="2" |No—steep ramp

|2006

| {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}

Warrnambool

|1890

| {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}}

class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

|+ class="nowrap" | Station histories

!Station

!Opened{{cite web |title=VICSIG |url=https://vicsig.net/ |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=vicsig.net}}{{cite web |title=Rail Geelong – Welcome |url=https://www.railgeelong.com/ |access-date=16 May 2023 |website=Rail Geelong |language=en}}

!Closed

!Age

! scope=col class=unsortable | Notes

{{rwsa|Southern Cross}}{{TAC2|17 January 1859}}* Formerly Batman's Hill

  • Formerly Spencer Street
{{rwsa|Footscray}}{{TAC2|24 September 1900}}
{{rwsa|Sunshine|m}}{{TAC2|7 September 1885}}* Formerly Braybrook Junction
{{rwsa|Deer Park}}{{TAC2|2 April 1884}}* Formerly Kororoit Creek
{{rwsa|Tarneit}}{{TAC2|15 June 2015}}
{{rwsa|Wyndham Vale}}{{TAC2|15 June 2015}}
Wyndham Vale South Sidings?* Future Black Forest Road station site
{{rwsa|Manor}}{{TAC2|2 February 1911|1 November 1970}}
{{rwsa|Mambourin}}{{TAC2|November 1888|1893}}* Formerly Pearce's Bros Siding
{{rwsa|Little River}}{{TAC2|1 January 1957}}* Formerly Little River
  • Formerly Bulban
    • {{rwsa|Lara}}{{TAC2|1 November 1856}}* Formerly Duck Ponds
    Elders IXL Siding{{TAC2|12 March 1986|2010}}
    Geelong Grammar Siding{{TAC2|19 April 1912|24 May 1955}}
    {{rwsa|Corio}}{{TAC2|15 September 1890}}* Formerly Cowies Creek
  • Formerly Cowie
    • Distillers Siding{{TAC2|14 February 1928|21 February 1987c}}
    {{rwsa|North Shore}}{{TAC2|15 April 1895}}* Formerly North Shore
  • Formerly Corio
    • Harbour Trust Sidings{{TAC2|8 March 1909}}
    North Geelong Yard{{TAC2|28 January 1885}}
    {{rwsa|North Geelong}}{{TAC2|1 August 1883}}* Formerly West Geelong
    Geelong Locomotive Depot{{TAC2|20 May 1917}}
    Cunningham Pier??* Formerly Railway Pier
    {{rwsa|Geelong}}{{TAC2|1 November 1856}}
    {{rwsa|South Geelong}}{{TAC2|1 November 1883}}
    {{rwsa|Geelong Racecourse}} (2nd){{TAC2|1 January 1911|19 October 2005}}* Formerly Geelong Showgrounds
    rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|Breakwater}}{{TAC2|28 December 1889|6 March 1895}}
    {{TAC2|25 June 1895|12 August 1898}}
    rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|Marshall}}{{TAC2|14 July 1879|17 February 1964}}* Formerly Connewarra
    {{TAC2|26 April 2005}}
    rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|Geelong Racecourse}} (1st){{TAC2|26 January 1877|January 1878c}}* On main line
    {{TAC2|22 January 1878|13 January 1906}}* On branch
    {{rwsa|Grovedale}}{{TAC2|25 November 1876c|1954}}* Formerly Germantown
    {{rwsa|Duneed}}{{TAC2|25 November 1876c|26 July 1921}}
    {{rwsa|Waurn Ponds}}{{TAC2|12 October 2014}}
    Waurn Ponds Cement Siding{{TAC2|22 March 1963|31 May 2021}}
    Waurn Ponds Stabling Sidings{{TAC2|27 February 2023}}
    {{rwsa|Pettavel}}?22 August 1952?* Formerly Pettavel Road
    {{rwsa|Moriac}}{{TAC2|1 October 1877|5 October 1982}}* Formerly Mount Moriac
    {{rwsa|Buckley|v}}?17 October 1955?* Formerly Buckley's Road
    {{rwsa|Winchelsea|v}}{{TAC2|25 November 1876}}
    {{rwsa|Armytage}}{{TAC2|24 August 1911|12 November 1956}}
    {{rwsa|Birregurra}}{{TAC2|13 March 1877}}
    {{rwsa|Warncoort}}{{TAC2|13 March 1877|22 August 1958}}
    {{rwsa|Irrewarra}}{{TAC2|1 October 1877|22 August 1958}}
    {{Abbr|CRB|Country Roads Board}} Siding1927??
    Shell Oil Company?December 1975?
    {{rwsa|Colac}}{{TAC2|27 July 1877}}* Was originally Colac Beach
    {{rwsa|Larpent}}???
    {{rwsa|Pirron Yallock}}?5 October 1982?
    {{rwsa|Stoneyford}}?17 October 1955?
    {{rwsa|Pomborneit}}?14 August 1978?
    {{rwsa|Weerite}}?22 July 1975?
    {{rwsa|Camperdown}}{{TAC2|2 July 1883}}
    {{rwsa|Boorcan}}{{TAC2|23 April 1887|5 October 1982}}
    {{rwsa|Terang}}{{TAC2|23 April 1887}}
    {{rwsa|Garvoc}}?30 January 1966?
    {{rwsa|Panmure|v}}{{TAC2|4 February 1890|5 October 1982}}
    {{rwsa|Cudgee}}?26 September 1960?
    {{rwsa|Allansford}}?5 October 1982?
    {{rwsa|Sherwood Park}}{{TAC2|19 February 2006}}
    Warrnambool Caltex Oil Sidings{{TAC2|27 November 1946|1966}}
    Warrnambool Pier{{circa|1890}}??
    {{rwsa|Warrnambool}}{{TAC2|4 February 1890}}
    Briquette Siding???
    Westvic Siding??

    Infrastructure

    = Rolling stock =

    {{Main|V/Line VLocity}}

    Upon the completion of Stage 2 of the Warrnambool line upgrade as part of the Regional Rail Revival project from 1 November 2024, the Warrnambool service has used VLocity trains. VLocity trains operate in a three-car configuration (with the ability to be configured up to 6 cars or 9 (on select segments only)) with two doors per side on each carriage and a seating capacity of 222 seats per three car set in a 2+2 configuration.{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Marcus |title=New style interior onboard VL00: yellow poles and the same fabric as all of the other refurbished V/Line trains |url=https://railgallery.wongm.com/vline-carriage-interiors/E105_9856.jpg.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033321/https://railgallery.wongm.com/vline-carriage-interiors/E105_9856.jpg.html |archive-date=1 December 2017 |access-date=27 November 2017 |website=Wongm's Rail Gallery}} There are two types of interior layouts: commuter (with seating, toilets, and luggage racks) and long distance (with seating, toilets, a kiosk style cafe, and luggage racks). Only commuter VLocities are available for use on broad gauge, with all long-distance VLocities currently on Standard Gauge. Unlike existing long distance locomotive hauled trains, first class isn't available on board the VLocity trains.{{Cite web |last=Department of Transport |date=23 April 2020 |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 |url-status=live |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=4 July 2020 |website=transport.vic.gov.au |language=en-au}} Commuter and Long Distance VLocity's are currently in operation on all other long-distance lines to some extent, with more progressively being delivered. The trains have been continuously built at Alstom's Dandenong factory in Melbourne's south-east since 2004.{{cite news |date=1 April 2000 |title=Bracks invests |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/bracks-invests.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113123405/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/bracks-invests.html |archive-date=13 January 2018 |access-date=12 January 2018 |work=Railway Gazette |language=en}} From 1 December 2024, Vlocity services were introduced on all except overnight stabling services to Warrnambool, with only two services in each direction on weekdays and one on weekends still being locomotive hauled.{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=2024 regional timetable change |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/about-ptv/improvements-and-projects/train-and-rail/2024-regional-timetable-change/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}} On 30 March 2025, the last locomotive-hauled train ran on the Warrnambool line, meaning all services to Warrnambool will be operated by Vlocity trains.

    File:VLocity 1286 Wendouree Station December 2021.jpg railcars run on the Warrnambool line]]

    Alongside the passenger trains, Warrnambool line tracks and equipment are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The two types of engineering trains are: the shunting train, designed for moving trains along non-electrified corridors and for transporting other maintenance locomotives; and the infrastructure evaluation carriage designed for general infrastructure evaluation including track and electrical infrastructure (if travelling along electrified corridors).{{Cite web |date=1 February 2011 |title=NETWORK SERVICE PLAN {{!}} Addenda |url=https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307165249/https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |archive-date=7 March 2011}} Most of these trains are repurposed locomotives previously used by V/Line, Metro Trains, and the Southern Shorthaul Railroad.

    = Accessibility =

    File:Marshall-station-geelong.jpg has accessible features including tactile boarding indicators and ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14.]]

    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 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=www.ptovic.com.au |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084345/https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |url-status=live }} 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 |website=Metro Trains Melbourne |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208020143/https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ }} 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 |website=City of Melbourne |access-date=13 May 2023 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206144538/https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx }}

    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=14 December 2022 |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 |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2023 |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 |url-status=live }} These works have made significant strides in improving network accessibility, with more than 80% 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 |title=Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025 |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria |archive-date=12 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |url-status=live }}

    = Signalling =

    {{Main|Rail transport in Victoria#Signalling}}

    The Warrnambool line uses a combination of different signalling types due to the length of the line. The line is generally Automatic and Track Control, with Automatic Block Signalling between North Geelong and Geelong, and between Sherwood Park and Warrnambool.{{cite book |last1=Dornan |first1=S.E. |title=Electric Railways of Victoria |last2=Henderson |first2=R.G. |publisher=Australian Electric Traction Society |year=1979 |isbn=0-909459-06-1 |page=20}}

    Line guide

    {{Warrnambool railway line|collapse = yes}}

    See also

    References

    {{reflist}}

    External links

    • [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/1853/warrnambool-melbourne-via-colac-and-geelong Warrnambool line timetable]
    • [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/#networkmaps Network map]
    • {{commons category-inline|Warrnambool V/Line rail service}}

    {{Victorian Railway Lines|vline}}

    {{DEFAULTSORT:Warrnambool V Line rail service}}

    Category:V/Line rail services

    Category:Warrnambool

    Category:Transport in Geelong

    Category:Transport in the City of Maribyrnong

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

    Category:Transport in the City of Brimbank

    Category:Transport in the City of Wyndham

    Category:Transport in Barwon South West (region)