Commuter Rail Network
Ballarat boasts an excellent commuter rail service to Melbourne, which has been in operation for over 140 years, enabling Ballarat residents easy access to metropolitan Melbourne, and similarly,Melbourne visitors and tourists easy access to Ballarat. Travel times are currently around 64 min.
Victoria’s Regional Fast Rail project, estimated at over $750 million, has involved a complete overhaul of the rail infrastructure between Ballarat and Melbourne, including signalling and communications systems. In addition, all passenger trains have been replaced with the new VLocity class trains, offering improved style, comfort, efficient operation and greater passenger safety.
A new train station will also be constructed in Ballarat to support the increased demand created by the introduction of the Regional Fast Rail. Estimated at $12.5 million, the new train station will be located in a high residential growth area of Ballarat and will be constructed in the next two (2) years.
Ballarat’s centrally located, grand historic train station has being rejuvenated after a $2.6 million; restoration providing a vibrant and welcoming gateway to Ballarat and the Region.
When considered collectively, Ballarat offers modern, fast and efficient passenger transport system which will is highly competitive with other regional centres and metropolitan areas, and will generate increased commuter and visitor traffic, will economic flow-on effects for the entire community.