Jekyll2026-03-05T11:49:46+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/feed.xmlV/LineCarsVLineCars.com endeavours to provide interesting and detailed information regarding the operations of V/Line services, along with the several types of locomotives, railcars and rollingstock V/Line uses in its day to day operations. A look back at 2-car VLocity trains2022-07-29T00:00:00+00:002022-07-29T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2022/07/vlocity-trains-2-carsA fact some people might not know is that V/Line fleet of VLocity trains were once only two cars long. The story starts back in December 2005 when the first of 38 trains entered service. Each set consisted of two carriages seating a total of 140 passengers, with a drivers cab at each end.

VL12 on it's way to South Geelong

The maths for carrying more passengers was simple – put two units together to make a four car train.

Pair of 2-car VLocity units approach Sunbury at Jacksons Hill

Or three units to make a six car train.

VLocity VL01 leads two classmates on an up Geelong express service at Corio

However an explosion in patronage on the V/Line network saw the ordering of two additional 2-car sets, along with the introduction of 22 new powered intermediate cars to expand existing sets to 3-cars in length. The first of these longer VLocity sets entered service in August 2008.

3VL41 heads back to Melbourne at North Shore

Lacking a toilet or drivers cab, these new carriages increased the total passenger capacity of the set to 216 seats – each pair of 3-car sets having 12 extra seats compared to a six carriage train made up of three 2-car long sets.

These new three car long VLocity sets also expanded the combinations of trains that could be made:

  • two car
  • three car
  • four cars (two 2-car sets)
  • five cars (2-car with 3-car set)
  • six cars (three 2-car sets)
  • six cars (two 3-car sets)

Operating a mix of two and three car trains might be flexible, but makes operations more complicated, so in November 2012 an additional 19 VLocity intermediate carriages were ordered – enough to lengthen the last remaining two car sets to the new ‘standard’ three car length.

The final set to be converted was VL14 in June 2016.

VLocity VL16 and classmate depart Tarneit on a down Geelong service

A footnote on liveries

2-car VLocity trains only ever appeared in the original VLocity ‘purple and green’ livery with two exceptions:

Set VL00, delivered in the V/Line Mk3 livery in August 2010, and retaining it until converted to 3-car form in July 2015.

VLocity VL00 heads into the turnback siding at North Dynon

Set VL12, which was repainted into PTV livery in March 2015 following accident repairs. It remained in 2-car form until November 2015, when it received the intermediate carriage.

2-car VLocity VL03 leads PTV liveried classmate VL12 on a down Bendigo service onto the suburban tracks at Sunshine

]]>Marcus WongV/Line transfers to the Bendigo Rail Workshops2022-04-28T00:00:00+00:002022-04-28T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2022/04/vline-transfers-ssr-bendigo-maintenanceSince 2015 V/Line was been utilising the services of the Bendigo Railway Workshops operated by Southern Shorthaul Railroad for the maintenance of their carriage fleet.

V/Line carriages BH145 and BTH168 outside the sheds

As a result an interesting array of empty car movements have operated in recent years, transferring rolling stock between Melbourne and Bendigo.

August 2017

P12 and P17 nose to nose, leading overhauled carriage set SH35 back to Melbourne.

P12 and P17 nose to nose, leading carriage set SH35 set from Bendigo Workshops to Southern Cross at Ginifer

April 2018

N466 with Y163 and carriage BZN271 bound for repainting at Bendigo.

N466 passes through Sunshine with Y163 and carriage BZN271 on a transfer to the SSR workshops at Bendigo

April 2019

N465 leads solo carriage BTN254 for overhaul at Bendigo.

N465 leads solo carriage BTN254 through Sunshine on the down

N465 leads carriage BZN265 partially repainted in PTV livery, after air conditioning upgrades at Bendigo.

N465 leads solo carriage BZN265 through Sunshine on the up

May 2019

N469 leads carriages BZN275, BCZ257 and BZN271 to Bendigo for overhaul.

N469 leads carriages BZN275, BCZ257 and BZN271 through Sunshine on a down transfer to Bendigo Workshops

October 2020

N467 leads A66 and BZN274 return from Bendigo, A66 retrieved from storage while BZN274 had been overhauled.

N467 leads A66 and BZN274 pass through Sunshine on their way from North Bendigo Workshops to Southern Cross

November 2020

N467 leads repainted locomotive N470 and refurbished carriage BZN252 back to Melbourne.

N467 leads repainted locomotive N470 and refurbished carriage BZN252 on the up at Sunshine

October 2021

Sprinter 7006 leads 7007 and 7010 head for overhaul at Bendigo.

Sprinter 7006 leads 7007 and 7010 out of Ginifer on a down transfer to the Bendigo Railway Workshops

N463 leads power van PH451 and carriage BZN256 to Bendigo for overhaul.

N463 leads power van PH451 and carriage BZN256 through Albion on a down transfer to SSR Bendigo

N453 leads carriage sets SH21 and LH33 to Bendigo for overhaul.

N453 leads carriage sets SH21 and LH33 on a down transfer to Bendigo at Keilor Plains

November 2021

N475 leads power van PH452 to Bendigo for overhaul.

N475 leads power van PH452 through Sunshine bound for SSR Bendigo

January 2022

N454 leads carriage BTN264 to Bendigo for overhaul.

N454 leads carriage BTN264 through Albion bound for SSR Bendigo

February 2022

N470 leads carriage sets SH34 and SH31 to Bendigo for overhaul.

N470 leads carriage sets SH34 and SH31 through Sunshine on a down transfer to Bendigo Workshops

]]>Marcus WongV/Line diversion via the Albion-Jacana goods lines2022-01-24T00:00:00+00:002022-01-24T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2022/01/vline-via-albion-jacanaOn Monday 24 January 2022 an interesting V/Line movement occurred - an up Seymour service was diverted via the Albion-Jacana goods lines due to a point failure at Broadmeadows.

Sprinter 7022 leads 7017 through Albion Loop on an up Seymour service diverted via the goods lines

The failure left the points set facing the goods lines, preventing both V/Line and suburban trains from using the normal route via Essendon. Sprinter 7022 and 7017 on the 8320 up Seymour service were delayed by other trains unable to proceed, but at 3:15pm was cleared to use the alternate route to Southern Cross Station via Sunshine.

Sprinter 7022 and 7017 waiting at Albion Junction for a path onto the suburban lines

The train was allowed to proceed at 80 km/h along the upgraded dual gauge track between Glenroy and Tullamarine, but was had to follow the 20 km/h speed restriction elsewhere due to poor track conditions.

Sprinter 7022 leads 7017 through Albion Loop on an up Seymour service diverted via the goods lines

The service was originally scheduled to arrive at Southern Cross at 2:30pm, but eventually arrived at 4:45pm.

Sprinter 7022 and 7017 head back onto the passenger lines at Albion Junction after diverting via the goods line

Other V/Line diversions via Albion-Jacana

It is believed that the weekend of 9 and 10 October 2010 was the last time V/Line broad gauge services were timetabled via the Albion-Jacana line due to trackwork at Essendon - Shepparton trains being diverted, but Seymour services were replaced by buses.

N471 departs Albion Loop on a diverted down Shepparton train

At least one other ad-hoc diversion has also occurred in recent years - the 1832 down Shepparton service with N475 on 2 December 2017, due to a track circuit failure at North Melbourne.

]]>Marcus WongStandard gauge VLocity trains enter service2021-12-30T00:00:00+00:002021-12-30T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2021/12/standard-gauge-vlocity-enters-service30 December 2021 marked the entry to revenue service of standard gauge VLocity trains on the V/Line Albury service. VLocity VS93 and VS94 ran the midday down train, and returned on the evening up service.

Standard gauge VLocity VS93 and VS94 pass through Sunshine on their first six car test run

Note: this photo is of an earlier test train

The event being marked by little ceremony.

They continue this weekday roster as of January 2022, with locomotive hauled trains running the other weekday services, as well as all weekend service.

]]>Marcus WongStandard gauge VLocity train testing2021-12-20T00:00:00+00:002021-12-20T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2021/12/standard-gauge-vlocity-train-testingSeptember 2021 saw the commencement of mainline testing of the brand new standard gauge VLocity trains which will soon be deployed to the V/Line Albury service.

Standard gauge VLocity VS93 passes through Albion on the first test run outside of South Dynon

Initial testing

The first set to be delivered was VS93, delivered on broad gauge from Bombardier Dandenong to South Dynon in August 2021. Following gauge conversion and test runs around the workshop, on 23 September 2021 VS93 departed South Dynon for Seymour to commence the mainline testing program.

Standard gauge VLocity VS93 rounds the curve at Albion onto the Albion-Jacana line

The new VLocity trains appear much the same as sets VL80+ with the upgraded cab design.

VLocity carriage 1293 at the north end of the train

Bogies virtually identical as well.

Standard gauge bogie beneath VLocity carriage 1293

The main spotting feature being the blanked off wall for the buffet module onboard the centre carriage. During initial testing, this extra grill lacked a permanent covering.

Blanked off window with grill on the side of VLocity carriage 1393

The buffet carriage was delivered as carriage 1393, but by 19 November 2021 it had been renumbered 1593 - placing it into a seprate number group.

VLocity buffet carriage now renumbered 1593

The train returned to South Dynon a number of times during the test program, before returning again to Seymour, with the first VLocity train visiting Albury on 29 October 2021.

Crew familiarisation

On 22 November 2021 VS93 was sent to Southern Cross Station platform 2 for crew familiarisation training, a process repeated for a number of weeks.

Standard gauge VLocity VS93 beside original broad gauge classmate VL03 at Southern Cross

Changes inside the train a buffet module in the centre carriage, which was yet to be fitted out.

Future buffet window onboard standard gauge VLocity buffet car 1593

With tinted windows opposite the buffet.

Untinted windows on standard gauge VLocity VS93, except for those facing the buffet itself

Blanked off windows on the other side.

Blank walls on the side of VLocity carriage 1593 indicate the future location of the buffet module

Additional water filling and waste outlets.

Pair of additional access hatches on the side of VLocity buffet carriage 1593

Directions to the buffet from other carriages.

Directions to the buffet and toilets onboard standard gauge VLocity VS93

Tables between seats in the buffet carriage.

Tray tables onboard the seating end of standard gauge VLocity buffet car 1593

Fold down tray tables beside the accessible seats.

Fold down tray tables onboard standard gauge VLocity buffet car 1593

Directions to place luggage between seats.

'Luggage space available between seats' signage onboard standard gauge VLocity VS93

USB charging points.

'USB charging between seats' signage onboard standard gauge VLocity VS93

Hearing aid loops.

Directions to the buffet and toilets onboard standard gauge VLocity VS93

And platform gap filling panels beneath the exterior doors.

Gap filling panels beneath the saloon doors of standard gauge VLocity VS93

The exception being the saloon doors at the cab end of each train.

No gap filling panels beneath the end saloon doors of standard gauge VLocity VS93

Final testing

A second standard gauge VLocity set was delivered in November 2021 - set VS94. After gauge conversion it departed South Dynon for Seymour on 29 November 2021.

Standard gauge VLocity VS94 passes through Sunshine, bound for testing around Seymour

The first mainline test of the two sets as a 6-car train occurred on 20 December 2021.

Standard gauge VLocity VS93 and VS94 pass through Sunshine on their first six car test run

Following these tests, revenues services should be not far away.

]]>Marcus WongNew V/LineCars Tracker launched2020-11-06T00:00:00+00:002020-11-06T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2020/11/vlinecars-tracker-launchedA project in the works for some time now is the V/LineCars Tracker. It collates service data from the V/Line app, and uses it to tracks which trains are used on which services, as well as changes to carriage set consists over time.

Next V/Line departure at Southern Cross is to 'Not in Service'

Data collection commenced in July 2020, and we have see a number of changes to the carriage found in each carriage set.

Unfortunately the data is not 100% accurate - things to keep in mind include:

  • The consist for a given service might be changed before departure time, but the data might not get updated, resulting in inaccurate data being logged by the V/LineCars Tracker.
  • Data entry errors sometimes result in non-existent carriages being included in a given consist.
  • Non-revenue movements are not included in the data, so ‘last seen’ dates reflect revenue services.
  • ‘First seen’ date reflects the first appearance in revenue service, blank values mean that a service appeared before the tracker was switched on.
  • ‘SH’ and ‘SH’ carriage sets are not tracked as 3-car sets, but as a six car long ‘SSH’ or ‘SLH’ carriage set.
  • ‘N’, ‘FN’ and ‘VN’ codes do not appear to reflect the code actually applied to the carriage set.

Service histories for each VLocity DMU, Sprinter DMU and N class locomotive can be found at https://tracker.vlinecars.com/service-histories while carriage set consist changes can be found at https://tracker.vlinecars.com/carsets.

Enjoy!

December 2020 Update

Unfortunately V/Line have updated their data feed, and consist data is no longer available. It was good while it lasted!

]]>Marcus WongNew VLocity trains cab design2020-10-09T00:00:00+00:002020-10-09T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2020/10/new-vlocity-train-cab-designIn 2018 it was announced than an upgraded cab design would be included on newly built VLocity trains. The first train was VL80, delivered to V/Line in November 2019.

VLocity VL80 shunts out at Dudley Street

Numbered VL80-88, changes include:

  • Modified cab frame structure to increase crash-worthiness
  • High Capacity Signalling equipment installed and set up for trial.
  • Cab layout changed to incorporate ergonomic requirements and changes to cab structure and equipment.
  • Altered seating layout to accommodate more standing passengers.
  • Toilet reinstated in the DM car.

The main spotting feature is the much larger windscreen.

New cab design on VLocity VL80

Compared to the previously delivered sets.

N455, N452, N470, N472, VLocity VL22 and VL80 stabled at Dudley Street

During 2020 set VL80 underwent further testing around the network, while Bombardier continued to deliver further sets to V/Line. The commissioning of the new trains was delayed, with the unused sets stored at the newly constructed Wyndham Vale stabling yard awaiting a resolution.

During September 2020 these stored sets were transferred to Bombardier Dandenong or SSR Bendigo for rectification works.

VLocity VL84 and VL81 pass through Sunshine on the way from Wyndham Vale to Bombardier Dandenong

Set VL88 being the first to enter revenue service, on 20 September.

VLocity VL88 arrives into Sunshine on a down Ararat service

With set VL85 following the next day.

VLocity VL85 and VL20 on the up at Sunshine

The remainder of the fleet are undergoing modification work before their entry to service.

]]>Marcus WongMaintaining the fleet of V/Line trains2020-07-20T00:00:00+00:002020-07-20T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2020/07/bombardier-maintenanceMaintenance of the V/Line fleet of trains is contracted to Bombardier.

Sprinters 7021 and 7010 outside the Bombardier shed at West Melbourne

Carriage Maintenance Depot

Their main facility is the Carriage Maintenance Depot on Dudley Street at West Melbourne. It was opened by V/line in 1989, replacing a deteriorating series of carriage sheds.

Dudley Street side of the V/Line carriage sidings, now managed by Bombardier

Located next door to Southern Cross Station.

Stabled VLocity railcars and N class locomotives at the West Melbourne Depot

With VLocity and Sprinter trains services inside the sheds, along with locomotive hauled carriages.

Plenty of work still occurring inside the Bombardier sheds at Dudley Street

Bombardier also has a lease over the South Dynon workshops, for the servicing of the standard gauge fleet.

VLocity set stabled out the back of the South Dynon locomotive depot

Along with the fuel point, for the servicing and refuelling of locomotives.

South Dynon fuel point: now operated by Bombardier, along with the rest of the workshops

Ballarat

VLocity trains are maintained at a $16.5 million facility opened at Ballarat East in February 2012.

VLocity VL18 joins VL20, VL35, VL58 and VL19 stabled at the Bombardier maintenance facility at Ballarat East

Geelong

Diesel locomotives receive light maintenance at the Geelong locomotive depot, with the facility upgraded in recent years to also cater to VLocity and Sprinter DMUs.

VLocity and Sprinter DMUs stabled for the weekend at the Geelong locomotive depot sidings

Dandenong

VLocity trains undergo heavy overhauls at the Bombardier factory in Dandenong.

Freshly refurbished VLocity train VL24 waiting to be delivered to V/Line

Bendigo

Since 2017 maintenance of V/Line’s carriage fleet has also been subcontracted to the Bendigo Railway Workshops, operated by Southern Shorthaul Railroad.

V/Line carriages BH145 and BTH168 outside the sheds

Some history

Downer EDI Rail once held the maintenance contract for V/Line’s fleet of Sprinter DMUs, carriages and diesel locomotives. VLocity trains were maintained by Bombardier at Dandenong.

Carriage Maintenance Depot at West Melbourne, the Downer EDI Rail sign still there for now, Bombardier won the V/Line maintenance contract on July 1

With Newport Workshops ‘West Block’ used for heavy repairs to carriages and locomotives.

Shunting tractor pulls an BN carriage onto the traverser at Newport Workshops

Bombardier won the V/Line maintenance contract in 2010.

V/Line fleet to be maintained by Bombardier

From the Premier

18 August 2010

Global train maintenance expertise will be brought to the entire V/Line fleet with the appointment of transport company Bombardier to improve train reliability.

Bombardier is now responsible for the maintenance, repairs and management of the V/Line ‘classic fleet’ which includes Sprinters, locomotives, and locomotive-hauled carriages.

Premier John Brumby said Bombardier was continuing its construction of the VLocity fleet, which they had also maintained since the first carriage rolled out in 2005.

“Our Government is determined to support families living and working in regional and rural Victoria and we understand how important high-quality transport connections are to their liveability and prosperity,” Mr Brumby said.

“We also understand that nothing is more important to Victorian families than job security and that’s why we are investing in job-securing projects like new trains for our regional rail network.

“The appointment of Bombardier to maintain these V/Line trains brings the maintenance of all regional trains under the one banner for the first time.

“Bombardier employs more than 500 people across Australia and has almost 350 employees alone in Victoria, with its major maintenance base located in West Melbourne.

“The maintenance facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is an example of the successful manufacturing industry and rail maintenance operators we have in Victoria.”

Bombardier’s Dandenong plant is now rolling out 32 new VLocity carriages to meet unprecedented growth in patronage across the regional rail network.

The Victorian Government has ordered 134 VLocity carriages for the regional rail network with 107 in service and all carriages expected to be rolled-out by October 2011, adding an extra 9760 seats and almost doubling the total number of seats on the network since 1999.

Minister for Public Transport Martin Pakula said the Bombardier new maintenance arrangement would means all maintenance for every V/Line train was carried out by the one company.

“V/Line customers might not notice improvements immediately, but we are confident that will happen once Bombardier has bedded down their systems,” Mr Pakula said.

“These investments are part of the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to investing in regional public transport projects that improve services, accessibility and connectivity for families living and working in regional Victoria.

“These investments are also providing Bombardier employees with job security and importantly delivering security for hundreds of people in Bombardier’s local supply chain which includes more than 90 Victorian businesses.”

Bombardier was awarded the maintenance contract after a tender process. This started in July and will run until the end of 2012.

The Bombardier facility at Ballarat was built in 2011 to handle the ever increasing fleet of VLocity trains.

V/Line facility creates 30 jobs for Ballarat

Ballarat Courier

11 August 2011

Tom McIlroy

Ballarat will benefit from up to 30 new jobs created by a new V/Line train maintenance facility announced yesterday by the state government.

Visiting the Ballarat East construction site yesterday, Minister for Regional Cities Dr Denis Napthine said the $16.5 million project would also lead to better rail services for commuters. The new three-track maintenance facility is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will allow V/Line to service trains overnight in Ballarat for the first time. It will be run by international rail company Bombardier.

Dr Napthine said the announcement was good news for Ballarat and western Victoria. “V/Line and Bombardier are confident that the Ballarat workforce includes people with the skills required to work at this new facility and will be looking to fill these new positions with local people,” Dr Napthine said. “As the Coalition government continues to re-open railway stations in country Victoria and with our commitment to the Regional Rail Link, more jobs will continue to open up in this sector,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine said V/Line was already one of the bigger employers in Ballarat, with 107 staff directly employed by the authority and about 40 more employed indirectly through train and station cleaning and maintenance contracts. He said the government was open to the possibility of more jobs coming to Ballarat as needs demanded. V/Line plans to accommodate a number of current staff who commute to Melbourne from Ballarat.

The expansion comes as part of a long-term strategy to move VLocity train maintenance operations from Melbourne to major regional areas, including Ballarat and Geelong. Member for Ballarat West Sharon Knight said new job opportunities were needed in the region. “I welcome any jobs that come to Ballarat and congratulate the Government in following Labor’s lead in creating regional employment,” said Ms Knight.

]]>Marcus WongV/Line A class locomotives transferred to heritage operators2020-06-12T00:00:00+00:002020-06-12T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2020/06/a-class-locomotives-heritage-allocationsIn June 2020 two retired V/Line A class locomotives were allocated to Victorian rail heritage groups for preservation - A60 to the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre and A62 to 707 Operations.

The locomotives had been retired in 2016 and placed in long term storage at South Dynon, stripped of parts and drained of fluids.

A60, A62 and A70 stored under tarps at South Dynon

On Friday 5 June the locomotives were shunted into the appropriate order for their transfer to their new owners.

N459 shunts A70 between sidings at South Dynon

On Saturday 6 June the heritage groups came to South Dynon to collect their new toys, each bringing a collection of carriages along for the purposes of braking the unbraked A class locomotives.

A60 in front of A62 and A70 at South Dynon

The Seymour Railway Heritage Centre was first to arrive, with X31 leading S303, N463, and carriages Dining, 1VAM, Mitta Mitta, 30 AE, 1BE, 14BE.

X31 leads S303 and N463 on the up SRHC transfer move at Kensington

30AE at the end of the propelling movement from West Tower to South Dynon

A60 was placed in the middle of the transfer.

A60 in the middle of the SRHC transfer

With N463 taking it back to Seymour.

N463 shunts Dining, 1 VAM, and Mitta Mitta onto the transfer

H5 led S306 and T413 on the 707 Operations transfer, with carriages PCP 294, BRS 224, NAM 2336, LAN 2354, CLUB 1, BK 708.

H5 leads S306 and T413 on the up 707 Operations transfer at South Kensington

After running around at the Arrivals Yard, T413 leads S306 and H5 on the 707 Operations transfer into South Dynon

With H5 collecting A62 and placing it into the middle of the transfer.

H5 collects A62 from the siding at South Dynon

]]>Marcus WongMobile phone signal retransmitters onboard VLocity trains2020-05-10T00:00:00+00:002020-05-10T00:00:00+00:00https://www.vlinecars.com/2020/05/vlocity-train-mobile-phone-retransmitterIn 2017 the Victorian Government announced the $18 million Regional Rail Connectivity Project to improve mobile coverage and connectivity for passengers travelling on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour railway lines.

'Better mobile connection' decals on the side of VLocity VL57

VicTrack media release

Fixing mobile blackspots on state’s busiest V/Line routes 19 April 2017 The Andrews Labor Government will fix mobile blackspots along the state’s five busiest regional rail corridors by partnering with our largest mobile carriers – Telstra, Optus and Vodafone – in an Australian first project. The $18 million Regional Rail Connectivity Project will significantly improve mobile coverage and connectivity for commuters along the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour rail lines – which see more than 15.5 million passenger trips annually. Having three mobile carriers work together on this project is a major win for commuters – this means that customers on all three networks will see improved mobile coverage rather than just one carrier’s customer base. As part of the solution Victoria will be the first state in Australia to implement in-train technology used to boost the signal from mobile towers outside the rail carriage to devices used inside. Work has already begun to pilot the installation of mobile reception repeaters in VLocity trains, which is designed to boost in-train coverage from less than 50 per cent to almost full network coverage. If successful, the repeaters will be rolled out on the entire VLocity fleet in 2018. In-train technology is used in more than 30 rail networks across Europe including Germany, Italy and Switzerland to boost the mobile signal from towers inside train carriages. Passengers will begin to experience improved mobile coverage from the end of this year, with the construction of up to 35 new mobile towers commencing after the pilot process and set to be completed in 2018. The Regional Rail Connectivity Project is expected to boost productivity for regional business commuters, delivering an estimated $20 million per annum to the Victorian economy.

On train equipment

In 2017 the first mobile signal repeater was installed onboard VLocity train VL55 as a trial.

'Better mobile connection test train' decals on VLocity VL55

An antenna was fitted atop centre carriage 1355.

Antenna for the mobile phone retransmitter equipment onboard a VLocity carriage

An equipment cabinet in the ceiling of the same carriage, above the bike rack.

Mobile phone retransmitter equipment cabinet in the ceiling of VLocity carriage 1355

And ‘You are on a connected train’ signage inside the saloon.

'You are on a connected train' signage onboard a VLocity set with mobile phone retransmitter equipment installed

As at 30 June 2018 a total of 62 VLocity train sets had been fitted with the equipment, with the remaining 13 sets to be completed before the end of December 2018.

Additional mobile phone base stations

Mobile phone carriers also erected additional base stations along railway lines to address ‘blackspots’ in coverage, such as this one outside Bacchus Marsh - located at Bank Box Loop on the Ballarat line.

Mobile phone tower at Bank Box

References

]]>Marcus Wong