The Andrews Labor Government will trial making all seats reserved for weekend services on the Albury Line as part of ongoing moves to support the increasing popularity of the line and give passengers more certainty on seat availability.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said a recent survey of weekend passengers by V/Line found more than 70 per cent supported a move to reservation-only seating on these busy Albury Line trains.
Since being introduced on 31 March, the Labor Government’s regional fare cap has proved extremely popular with locals and visitors with approximately 150,000 Albury Line passengers benefitting from the cheaper travel.
Under the trial, if all seats are booked on a service, passengers would then have the option of purchasing an unreserved ticket, which alerts them that they may have to stand for some or all of their journey.
Alternatively, passengers may also have the option to travel on an overflow coach, on services where these are available.
The trial is planned to start from the weekend of 2 September and runs until late November.
V/Line will keep Albury Line passengers updated as details of the seating reservations trial are finalised ensuring passengers have advanced notice of the change. Once implemented, V/Line will closely monitor this trial.
In the meantime, Albury line passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and reserve a seat for all long-distance services by booking online at a staffed V/Line or premium Metro station, by calling 1800 800 007 or by visiting a retail ticket agent.
Passengers with accessibility needs are also encouraged to call 1800 800 007 to book a reserved seat or accessible space with special provision being made in the trial to ensure sufficient seating is available for those with special needs.
As stated by Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll
“We’ve improved the trains and services on the Albury Line and dramatically slashed the cost of travel. Now we’re ensuring passengers have more certainty about when seats will be available on the busiest services.”
“By asking V/Line to trial reservation-only seating on Saturday and Sunday services, we’re giving passengers peace of mind when they book their travel.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This is an important move for passengers in Northern Victoria – it will help them get to where they need to go and have certainty about their seat during busy times.”
