ANNUAL REPORT 2004–05 - V/Line

BUILDING FOR THE FUTUREThe Victorian rail network of the future began totake real shape in 2004–05.Best symbolised by the spectacular ‘wave’ roofthat is emerging at the redeveloped SpencerStreet Station, the rebuilding of Victorianregional rail will see V/Line emerge as a worldclasscustomer-driven passenger transportbusiness.The importance of the State Government's investment in therevitalisation of Victoria's rail infrastructure and operationsthrough the Regional Fast Rail Project, Spencer StreetStation, V/Line's new VLocity trains and the new ticketingsolution cannot be overstated.Without these programs of renewal, V/Line's capacity toserve Victorian regional communities would have beenseriously restricted. Now, however, we are in a position toensure that regional rail customers gain maximum benefitfrom this multi-million dollar investment.In its most practical sense, the infrastructure renewalincreases both the capacity and the flexibility of V/Line'snetwork to meet the current and future regional transportneeds of customers. This, in turn, will help strengthen theeconomic development of regional and rural communities,providing increased opportunities for labour, skills andmarkets beyond Melbourne.A key step in confirming this commitment to regionalVictorian communities was the Government's initiative thispast year in bringing all regional rail operations underV/Line's control.Incorporation of the Warrnambool and Shepparton services,along with extensions to existing lines to Bairnsdale andArarat, represent significant growth for V/Line.4 | V/LINE ANNUAL REPORT 2004–05At the same time, it must be acknowledged that the pastyear has been frustrating at times for our customers. Therehave been a number of major disruptions to services due toworks associated with the major construction programs.However, with the completion of these activities in sight,V/Line is confident that customers will soon be rewarded fortheir patience.2004–05 year has been one for listening and responding toour customers.Development of the new V/Line timetable has involved oneof the most comprehensive customer consultation programsever undertaken by V/Line. Around 10,000 existing andpotential customers and other stakeholders have taken partin Government and V/Line research and consultationprograms designed to help identify the type and frequencyof future services.These discussions have greatly informed the development ofour new timetable, which will be the key mechanism fordelivering the tangible benefits of the revitalised rail networkto customers. The draft timetable has already undergonesubstantial revision and this process of refinement willcontinue.