ANNUAL REPORT 2004–05 - V/Line

MAJOR PROJECTSVLOCITY TRAINSThe introduction of the new VLocity trains is one of the mostimportant projects ever undertaken by V/Line.The 38 two-carriage trains represent the single largestexpansion of V/Line's fleet in its history, equipping theorganisation to deliver its new and enhanced timetablealong with a new era of greater reliability and comfort forcustomers.Manufacture of the distinctive purple-and-green trains byBombardier continued throughout 2004–05, with extensivetrack testing on metropolitan and regional lines.By 30 June 2005, V/Line had provisionally accepted 11 trains.Capable of service speeds up to 160 km/h, each VLocityconsists of two semi-permanently attached carriages.Staff training for the new trains is on schedule, with 104drivers, 154 conductors and 24 emergency conductorscompleting their training.Features of the new trains will include:• seating for 140 passengers• wider 4-across (2x2) seating• chilled-water drinking fountains• new passenger information systems to announce stops• storage for bicycles and surfboards• toilets and other amenities• climate control.A $22 million upgrade of the West Melbourne Depot whichwill provide maintenance facilities for the VLocity trains isunder way. Works will also be carried out at South Dynon,Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo to provide minormaintenance, stabling and refuelling facilities.FROM LEFT: REGIONAL FAST RAIL SLEEPER REPLACEMENT;THE NEW ‘WAVE’ ROOF AT SPENCER STREET STATION;THE NEW VLOCITY TRAIN UNDERGOING TESTING; AND THESMARTCARD FOR THE FUTURENEW TICKETING SOLUTIONV/Line is preparing to enter the world of smartcard ticketing.In one of the most significant changes to Victoria's publictransport system, from 2007 passengers on metropolitantrains, trams and buses, as well as V/Line trains andcoaches and major regional bus services, will be able to usea durable plastic card – a smartcard – as their ticket totravel.Smartcards will store a money value which will be reducedevery time a fare is recorded and reinstated. They will alsostore travel data, so the smartcard is also a ticket, able tobe checked if required.At stations, or on trams and buses, passengers will simplypass the card across the face of a reader device. When theyswipe it again at the end of their journey, the best value farewill be automatically calculated and travel data recorded.V/Line continued to work closely with the TransportTicketing Authority (TTA) throughout the year on thedevelopment of the new ticketing solution.The smartcard ticketing tender attracted 10 bids from sixinternational consortia. After a rigorous nine-month tenderevaluation process, on 12 July 2005 the VictorianGovernment awarded a $495 million contract to the Kamcoconsortium.V/LINE ANNUAL REPORT 2004–05|13