Regional Rail Investments Delivering Cheaper Travel for South Barwon Locals

Under an Allan Labor Government, we’re making it easier and cheaper for locals to access more trains and more services across South Barwon.

Geelong passengers have now taken close to four million trips since its introduction and has placed close to $31 million back in people’s pockets since March 31st.

Local Geelong passengers who once paid $27.60 for a return trip to Melbourne now have their tickets capped at the same price as the Metropolitan daily fare, $10.

The regional fare cap has seen regional travel boom in popularity across the entire Victorian network, with the Geelong line showing a 22 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2022.

Since 2019, South Barwon has seen numerous investments into its rail infrastructure to support the needs of the growing electorate.

Our $1 billion dual investment with the Australian Government has seen the upgrade of the Waurn Ponds Station, the removal of the Barwon Heads Road, and the Waurn Ponds Stabling Yards. Projects currently underway include the Marshall Station upgrade, Torquay Road Level Crossing and the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds line duplication.

Opened in 2022, the Waurn Ponds Station upgrade has seen the installation of a second platform, duplication of the line, an accessible pedestrian overpass, as well as increased safety measures. The upgrade has allowed for 20 peak and shoulder peak services each week, making it easier for locals to get from A to B.

The Marshall Station upgrade will include a new second platform, an accessible pedestrian overpass, increased safety and new shared user paths, establishing a better connection from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds.

The 8km track duplication from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds will deliver more frequent and reliable services for local passengers on Victoria’s busiest regional rail line. The line duplication project will deliver 5 train services per hour during the peaks, and 3 per hour between the peaks.

Motorists will no longer need to wait for the boom gates to rise on Torquay Road thanks to the removal of the Torquay Road Level Crossing. The project will move the rail line away from local residents travelling on Surf Coast Highway. Allowing motorists to get to their destination on time and improve traffic flow.

Stabling facilities play a crucial role in allowing trains to begin service on time. As Geelong expands, locals need access to reliable train services every day. The Waurn Ponds Stabling Yard has the capacity to store and refuel 6 trains and allows for more frequent services as South Barwon and surrounds continue to grow.
Together, these significant investments into local, regional rail travel support South Barwon passengers and provide access to cheaper and more efficient travel across the state.

Quote attributable to the Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman

“Our investments into regional rail infrastructure across South Barwon is essential in delivering more services and keeping costs low for locals.”

“Essential infrastructure upgrades like the Waurn Ponds and Marshall Station, the Barwon Heads Road and Torquay Road level crossing removals, the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds line duplication, the Waurn Ponds Stabling Yard and the Regional Fare Cap is a fantastic way for South Barwon locals to make getting from A to B, that much easier”.