Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams welcomed the Andrews Labor Government investment of $257 million in new regional rail carriages and infrastructure to significantly boost capacity across the regional network and create nearly 200 jobs.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced today that next week’s State Budget will include funding for 21 new VLocity carriages to carry an extra 1,500 passengers V/Line passengers every day.

Minister for Public Transport and Employment, Jacinta Allan, who joined the Premier at Waurn Ponds station today to make the announcement, said the new carriages would be built by Dandenong train manufacturer Bombardier, securing 64 jobs.

Construction of the 21 VLocity carriages is expected to commence in mid-2016 with the first carriages to be in service by late 2017. Construction of all 21 new carriages will be complete by the end 2018.

The new carriages form part of the Labor Government’s Rolling Stock Strategy, which will set out a long term plan for delivery of Victoria’s trains and trams.