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V/LINE FARE REDUCTION STRATEGY
Train Service Adjustment Options
Prepared by: Laura Tucker, Manager Network Readiness (Project Lead)
Date: 2 February 2023
FINAL DRAFT – Confidential Internal Use Only until reviewed
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1
Overview
As part of the 2022 election promises the Government committed to introduce a daily cap for
regional public transport fares. This change is now committed to be implemented on 31
March 2023.
Key fare changes include:
•
To cap all regional fares to align with Metro fares
•
Capped daily cost of $9.20 (full fare) & $4.60 (concession) weekdays
•
Capped daily cost of $6.70 (full fare) & $3.35 (concession) weekends and
Public Holidays
•
Cap does not apply to services going beyond Victoria’s borders (other than Albury
and other border towns). Model and costing of these TBC
•
Removal of peak/off-peak price differential
•
Removal of first class tickets
•
Victoria Student Pass & Regional Student passes will remain
•
V/Line Family Traveller ticket TBC
This fare change results in significant savings for travel on the V/Line network, with weekend
daily savings of up to 85%1.
As a result of this change it is anticipated that an increase in patronage will be seen across
the network during off-peak, evening and weekend services as well as peaks.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) have undertaken modelling on train
patronage growth forecast. This is based on several assumptions and actual uptake timing
of the reduced fares is variable and uncertain. In the presentation DTP have provided some
recommended mitigations to manage key high patronage services. V/Line have reviewed the
patronage data and proposed mitigations and this paper provides operational feedback and
options for each.
As this is an unplanned change resources (e.g. rolling stock, staff) are not currently in plan
or budget, so this is considered in the option analysis, with short, medium and longer term
options.
In regard to longer term options, the election commitment for an additional 200 weekend
services from 2024 is a separate project, but will assist with mitigating weekend
overcrowding as these services are introduced.
2
Scope
This assessment only covers train services, as DTP are currently undertaking modelling for
scheduled coach services. A separate assessment will be undertaken once that data is
provided, noting coach data is not as granular as the train data as it covers total numbers on
a service not broken down to where people board and alight.
This paper does not take into account special events. Planning for special events with
increased patronage is under a separate analysis.
Additional mitigations are under assessment for the management of increased patronage
1 Reference: Train overcrowding risks resulting from reduced V/Line fares, DoT, 9 January 2023
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including frontline resources, seat reservations, stand-by coaches etc. These are not
considered as part of this paper.
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3
Executive Summary
3.1
Initial Service Adjustments
With the anticipated and modelled patronage increases that will accompany the fare
reduction introduction on 31 March 2023, V/Line have assessed the risks and potential
mitigations for train service adjustments.
Due to the unplanned nature of this change and reliance on existing resources as well as the
uncertainty and variability of patronage uplift an initial ‘light-touch’ approach is
recommended. Due to infrastructure and timetable changes there is a 3-staged approach
recommended with changes to come in on 31 March, 7 April and 7 May 2023.
In summary these changes are:
#
Date
Service Adjustment
Eight (8) additional weekend Wyndham Vale services to reduce
1
overcrowding on existing Geelong and Warrnambool services
31 March
Increase existing 3VL weekday evening Wendouree service(s) 8149 &
2
8151 to a 6VL
Increase existing 3VL first UP Shepparton service on a Saturday to a
3
7 April (FP60A)
6VL. Noting this results in this service not stopping at Heathcote Junction
(due to safety risk of very short platform)
Increase 1 AM Peak & 1 or 2 PM Peak existing 6VL Wyndham Vale
4
services to 9VL
7 May (FP61)
Operate an additional shoulder peak Melton service shadowing the 1516
5
(8131) Wendouree
The above changes are unfunded and will require funding to cover the additional resources
required (train drivers, conductors and yardmasters). Funding will also be required for
additional fleet kilometres (e.g. fuel, fleet & track maintenance).
Additional stand-by coaches will also be required to support increased patronage due to the
limitations in the number of additional train services or consist changes that can be
implemented Day 1.
Further details of these changes are covered in the summary in Section 4, as well as a more
detailed options analysis in Section #
Funding Summary for Initial Service Adjustments
3.2
Key Risks for Day 1
As per EMC pres
3.3
Medium & longer-term service adjustments
The initial service adjustments are intended to mitigate some of the DTP data identified risk
points, but do not address all due to the existing resource constraints. These medium-long
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term consideration are to be assessed for inclusion in future timetables with funding provided
to allow recruitment and training to commence.
In addition to the modelling, patronage and performance data will be assessed following the
introduction of the fare reduction. This data will help inform where additional service
adjustments will be required. The weekend service uplift project will also assist with weekend
patronage as these services are introduced from 2024.
Weekend dwell times
Future timetable changes will also need to address any weekend dwell time impacts as a
result of increased patronage. Dwell time were adjusted in the Greenfields timetable, as prior
to the timetable change V/Line experienced a significant increase in patronage leading to
longer dwell times at high patronage locations.
To make an informed decision regarding any dwell time adjustments analysis of a large bank
of data drawn from data loggers and GPS readings will be required. This timing will result in
V/Line having a weekend performance risk until these adjustments can be made.
Warrnambool Line Upgrade – Stage 2 (VL introduction)
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4
Overall Recommendation for ‘Day 1’
The below ‘light touch’ service adjustments are recommended to assist with mitigating the increase patronage risk from Day 1 of the
introduction of the fare cap. These service adjustments focus on the DTP patronage assumption data and recommendations.
31 March 2023
The below mitigations could be managed without a change in the public facing master timetable change and would reduce the risk of
overcrowding during predicted higher patronage times. The additional services will be communicated as per special events processes and then
included in the prints for FP61 timetable.
Considerations on Short Plan Planning, as these are not part of master timetable. At least 6-weeks lead time required. STP resource
implications on late changes is compounded due to the number of occupations and the Avalon Airshow planning.
Initiative
Service Adjustment
Change
Resources
Fleet
Risks
Summary
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
K’s /
Annum
Wyndham
Basic uplift with 8
New: 4 UP & 4 DOWN
2 shifts / day
1 shift / day
1 shift / day
1 x 3VL
Reliant on overtime to cover
Vale
new services spread
shifts
Weekends –
Saturday & Sundays
= 4 shifts /
= 2 shifts /
= 2 shifts /
across the day
WV fuel truck availability TBC
Option 1
WVL – SCS (3VLs)
week
week
week
37 400
between 11:30-17:30
1 FTE
1 FTE
1 FTE
hours
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Wendouree
Increase capacity to
Consist Change: 8149
0
0
0
1 or 2 x
Relies on South Dynon
– 8149 &
1 or 2 x evening
&/or 8151 to 6VL
3VL
exams released on time (BaU
8151 to 6VL
DOWN services to
59 300
risk)
WED
Assume
Any slight TT adjustment in
1/2
final design will impact driver
rostering
Ancillary moves TBC for any
impact
Focus on coach supplements and customer management process during the initial introduction phase. Noting this coincides with Easter, school
holidays and the football season commencing. April is also a heavy occupation period, with a significant risk with coach availability.
7 April (FP60A)
Cannot implement on the 31 March due to the line under occupation for the SCU2 works. The new Shepparton Stabling Yard is also required to
implement this change, due to the additional driver resources required for the interim stabling shunt moves. If there are any delays in the
planned stabling commissioning this date would also push out to align.
Initiative
Service Adjustment
Change
Resources
Fleet
Risks
Summary
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
K’s /
Annum
Shepparton
Increase first UP to a
Consist Change: 8362
0
0
0
1 x 3 VL
Heathcote Junction: Remove
- Saturday
6VL and to balance
& 8369 to 6VL
stop
6VL
fleet evening service
Alter: 8362 & 8369 not
22 940
Extra conductor required due
also 6VL
stop Heathcote
to 6VL, but current roster can
Junction
support
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7 May 2023 (FP61)
Soft changes that could be accommodated with reliance on some overtime and are to be included in FP61 due to the reliance on altering the
public facing timetable.
Require a decision by Mid-Feb so that changes to FP61 can be made to accommodate these changes. Any late decisions, or significant
alterations to what is detailed below will impact the delivery of FP61. STP resource implications on late changes is compounded due to the
number of occupations and the Avalon Airshow planning.
Initiative
Service Adjustment
Change
Resources
Fleet
Risks
Summary
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
K’s /
Annum
Wyndham
Best to align with
1 AMP & 1 or 2 PMP
5 shifts /
10 shifts /
0
24 275
Conductor availability
Vale 9VL
Sunshine Platform
week
week
weekdays –
44 325
Ext to remove risk of
minor uplift
non-stop at Sunshine
1 FTE
2 FTE
1 PMP The alterations would involve the following:
2 PMP The alterations would involve the following:
0719 (9907) WVD-WVL empty cars operate as 9VL (formed intact off
0719 (9907) WVD-WVL empty cars operate as 9VL (formed intact off
9948 previous evening).
9948 previous evening).
0735 (8908) WVL-SPE pass operate as 9VL.
0735 (8908) WVL-SPE pass operate as 9VL.
0812 (9613) SPE-AYD empty cars operate as 9VL to stable at SDL
0812 (9613) SPE-AYD empty cars operate as 9VL to stable at SDL
in lieu of AYD.
in lieu of AYD.
1658 (9614) AYD-SPE empty cars operate as 9VL to originate SDL
1658 (9614) AYD-SPE empty cars operate as 9VL to originate SDL
at 1652.
at 1550 (to form 8935)
1715 (8941) SPE-WVL pass operate as 9VL.
1613 (8935) SPE-WVL pass operate as 9VL.
1755 (9941) WVL-WVS empty cars operate as 9VL.
1657 (9938) WVL-SPE empty cars operate as 9VL.
1814 (9944) WVS-WVD empty cars operate as 9VL. Shut down
1735 (8943) SPE-WVL pass operate as 9VL.
intact to form 9903 next day (currently formed by 9948).
1815 (9943) WVL-WVS empty cars operate as 9VL.
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Also,
1825 (9946) WVS-WVD empty cars operate as 9VL. Shut down
intact to form 9903 next day (currently formed by 9948).
0901 (9615) SPE-SDL empty cars to operate to AYD (in lieu of SDL).
Also,
1558 (9616) SDL-SPE empty cars altered to originate AYD at 1613
(in lieu of SDL).
0901 (9615) SPE-SDL empty cars to operate to AYD (in lieu of SDL).
0833 (8939) SPE-SDL arrive SDL 5” later at 0849 for stabling
1558 (9616) SDL-SPE empty cars altered to originate AYD at 1613
requirements
(in lieu of SDL).
0833 (8939) SPE-SDL arrive SDL 5” later at 0849 for stabling
requirements
Additional
Operate an additional
New: 15:21 hrs SPE-
0
0
0
2 x 3VL
Nil issues
shoulder-
shoulder peak Melton
MEL (all stops)
(off-set
peak Melton
service shadowing
Alter: 8131 pick-up only
by 3VL
service
the 1516 (8131)
at some/all stations to
op)
WED
Bacchus Marsh.
32 100
Reduce to 3VL along
with 8142
Supplementary coaches to support peaks and weekends at select locations required. Allocation may vary as patronage trends change.
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Future change (e.g. Q3 or Q4 2023)
Subject to driver and conductor funding and recruitment and other requirements in the plan
(e.g. GLU, MTOs).
Changes later in the year will align with data of actual patronage movements from 31 March
2023, taking into consideration seasonal variations.
Likely changes:
Further uplift of 9VL
Weekend WVLs (Option 1, 2 or 3)
Dwell time adjustments for weekends
Warrnambool line 3VL operations
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4.1
Short Term
Following the assessment by Operations and Strategic Planning, the below initiatives are recommended to be implemented as short-term
initiatives to provide some mitigation to increased patronage and overcrowding.
Fleet & track maintenance impacts TBD
Initiative
Service Adjustment
Change
Resources
Fleet
Risks
Summary
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
K’s /
Annum
Wyndham
Basic uplift with 8
New: 4 UP & 4 DOWN
2 shifts / day
1 shift / day
1 shift / day
1 x 3VL
Reliant on overtime to cover
Vale
new services spread
shifts
Weekends –
Saturday & Sundays
= 4 / week
= 2 / week
= 2 / week
across the day
WV fuel truck TBC
Option 1
WVL – SCS (3VLs)
between 11:30-17:30
1 FTE
1 FTE
1 FTE
37 400
OR
hours
Wyndham
Increased consists of
1 AMP & 1 or 2 PMP
5 shifts /
10 shifts /
0
1 x 3VL
Conductor availability
Vale 9VL
select Wyndham
week
week
weekdays
Vale sevices 9VLs
Adjust stopping
1 FTE
2 FTE
0
24 275
conditions as
44 325
required
Additional
Operate an additional
New: 15:21 hrs SPE-
0
0
0
2 x 3VL
Nil issues
shoulder-
shoulder peak Melton
MEL (all stops)
(off-set
peak Melton
service shadowing
Alter: 8131 pick-up only
by 3VL
service
the 1516 (8131)
at some/all stations to
op)
WED
Bacchus Marsh.
0
0
0
32 100
Reduce to 3VL along
with 8142
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Shepparton
Increase first UP to a
Consist Change: 8362
0
0
0
1 x 3 VL
Heathcote Junction: Remove
- Saturday
6VL and to balance
& 8369 to 6VL
stop
6VL
fleet evening service
Alter: 8362 & 8369 not
Extra conductor required due
also 6VL
stop Heathcote
0
0
0
22 940
to 6VL, but current roster can
Junction
support
Wendouree
Increase capacity to
Consist Change: 8149
0
0
0
2 x 3VL
Relies on Sth Dynon exams
– 8149 or/&
1 or 2 x evening
or/& 8151 to 6VL
released on time (BaU risk)
8151 to 6VL
DOWN services to
Any slight TT adjustment in
WED
final design will impact driver
0
0
0
59 300
rostering
Ancillary moves TBC for any
impact
TOTAL
New: # new UP
Rolling stock availability
services & # new
Reliant on overtime
DOWN Services per
Increased fleet maintenance
week
requirements
Consists: # services
increased to 9VL or
6VLs per week
Supplement gaps with scheduled / Stand by coach services
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4.2
Medium Term
The below additional initiative were assessed but require a longer lead time to implement.
Initiative
Service Adjustment
Change
Resources
Fleet
Risks
Summary
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
K’s /
Annum
Wyndham
Moderate uplift with
New: 8 UP & 8 DOWN
+4 shifts /
+3 shifts / day
2 shifts1
2 x 3VL
Drivers: As reliant on overtime
Vale
16 new services
day = 8 (Gel)
= 6
shifts, there is a risk with
weekends
Saturday & Sundays
spread across the
availability
WVL – SCS (3VLs)
Option 2 -
day between 11:30-
2 FTE (Gel)
2 FTE
1 FTE
Conductors: As reliant on
High
18:50 hours
overtime shifts, there is a risk
patronage
with availability, especially if
focus
additional 9VL WV service
introduced weekdays.
Conductors to be recruited to
accommodate this change
Yardmasters:
WVS has no shift coverage on
weekends. Saturday and
Sunday nights could be covered
with overtime, noting availability
risk.
Wyndham
All WVL train
Consist Change: 4 AM
10 shifts /
30 shifts /
0
3 x 3VL
Need to find the 2 drivers
Vale 9VL
services will operate
& 3 PM peak services
week
week
(in plan)
weekdays
as 9VLs
increased to 9VL
2 FTE
7 FTE
0
170 475
Adjust 8728, 8730 &
Alter 8728/30 to set
8781 WVL stopping
down only
conditions
Alter 8781 pick up only
TOTAL
New: # new UP
Rolling stock availability
services & # new
Reliant on overtime
DOWN Services per
Increased fleet maintenance
week
requirements
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Consists: # services
increased to 9VL or
6VLs per week
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4.3
Long Term
These initiatives require funding of additional drivers and lead time for recruitment and training.
Initiative
Service Adjustment
Change
Resources
Fleet
Risks
Summary
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
K’s /
Annum
Wyndham
Significant uplift with
New: 12 UP & 12
4 FTE
2 FTE
1 FTE
3 x 3VL
Vale
24 new services
DOWN
Weekends –
spread across the
Option 3
Saturday & Sundays
TBC
day between 10:50-
OR
WVL – SCS (3VLs)
18:50 hours
Wyndham
Full uplift with 34 new
New: 17 UP & 17
6 FTE
2 FTE
1 FTE
3 x 3VL
Vale
services operating on
DOWN
Weekends –
a 4-minute frequency
Option 4
Saturday & Sundays
170 384
between 08:21 –
WVL – SCS (3VLs)
20:48 hours
Melton AM
Additional service(s)
1 FTE
1 FTE
shoulder
peaks
Other
Additional uplift of
TBC
services / consist
changes to be
assessed based on
actual patronage
data
Albury
Need to assess if
additional VS unit
would support with
consist management
/ all 6VL services and
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if stabling etc. can
accommodate
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5
Patronage Data Summary
5.1
Corridor overview
The below table provided in the DTP presentation covers the impacts based on modelling
outcome summaries for medium distance corridors.
Note: Zone 2 fares already exist for Lara and Bacchus Marsh, so these locations will not be
directly impacted by the fare reduction.
The below table provided in the DTP presentation covers the impacts based on modelling
outcome summaries for long distance corridors.
For Warrnambool the analysis was based on 3VL operation, which will not commence until
WLU2 is commissioned in late 2023. Data does not highlight any concerns with the current
classic fleet operations. The 5th weekday Warrnambool only came into operation on 4
December 2022 so patronage changes as a result of this additional service are not yet
understood.
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6
DTP potential mitigation options to be considered
The below tables are a direct abstract from the DoT presentation.
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6.1
V/Line assessment of proposed DTP mitigations
6.1.1 Warrnambool Services
Warrnambool services will be considered as part of the WLU2 associated timetable change
and not this change.
The retention of N-sets to run some weekend services is not in the current fleet strategy and
also have DSAPT non-compliances. Further assessment and discussions will be required
with DTP on the potential to not fully meet the objectives of WLU2.
Recommendations:
1. Assess options (attach / detach, stopping conditions, classic fleet usage etc.) as part
of the WLU2 timetable change
2. Platforms extended to accommodate 6VL services; and
3. Additional fleet required to support increases services to 6VL
6.1.2 Wyndham Vale Services – weekends
Weekend services already operate as 6VLs (or Classic Fleet). To alleviate the overcrowding
that Warrnambool and Geelong services experience from Wyndham Vale on weekends it is
proposed to add additional Wyndham Vale shuttle services.
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Option 1 – Basic Uplift
This option provides 4 additional UP services between 10:21 and 16:21 hours and 4 DOWN
services between 11:30 hours – 17:30 hours.
Option 2 - High patronage focus
This option provides 8 additional UP services between 10:21 and 17:41 hours and 8 DOWN
services between 11:30 hours – 18:50 hours.
Option 3 – Significant uplift
This option provides 12 additional UP services between 09:41 and 17:41 hours and 12
DOWN services between 10:50 hours – 18:50 hours
Option 4 – Full uplift (40-minute frequency)
This option provides a rolling 40-mintue service between Wyndham Vale and Southern
Cross, resulting in 17 additional Up and 17 DOWN services between 08:21 hours and 20:48
hours.
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Option Assessment
Wyndham Vale - Weekends
Option
Drivers1,2
Conductors
Yardmasters2
Rolling
K’s /
Comments
Stock4,5
annum
Option 1 –
+2 shifts /
+1 shift / day
+1 shift / day =
1 x 3VL
37 400
Drivers: Both Option 1 and 2 could be covered utilising overtime
Basic Uplift
day = 4 (Gel)
= 2
2 shifts3
shifts. Geelong drivers would be utilised first, with Melb as a
back-up. As reliant on overtime shifts, there is a risk with
availability
1 FTE (Gel)
1 FTE
1 FTE
Conductors: Both option 1 and 2 could be covered utilising
overtime shifts. As reliant on overtime shifts, there is a risk with
Option 2 -
availability, especially if additional 9VL WV service introduced
+4 shifts /
+3 shifts /
2 shifts1
2 x 3VL
74 800
High patronage
weekdays.
day = 8 (Gel)
day = 6
focus
Yardmasters:
2 FTE (Gel)
2 FTE
1 FTE
WVS has no shift coverage on weekends. Saturday and Sunday
nights could be covered with overtime, noting availability risk.
Option 3 –
+6 shifts /
+4 shifts /
2 shifts3
3 x 3VL
Not a viable option utilising overtime shifts
Significant
day = 12
day = 8
Additional uplift to this level will rely on recruitment and training
uplift
(Gel)
of additional drivers and conductors
4 FTE (Gel)
2 FTE
1 FTE
Option 4 – Full
+9 shifts /
+4 shifts /
2 shifts1
3 x 3VL
170 3842
Not a viable option utilising overtime shifts
uplift (40-
day = 18
day = 8
Additional uplift to this level will rely on recruitment and training
minute
(Gel)
of additional drivers and conductors
frequency)
6 FTE (Gel)
2 FTE
1 FTE
Notes:
1. Driver shifts and FTEs take into consideration the EA requirements regrading repetitive running as well as travel time to/from WVY.
2. If Geelong Drivers are utilised the first UP and last DOWN may originate/terminate at Geelong. This may also move the fuelling etc to Geelong or
Waurn Ponds (when commissioned). Kilometres to be adjusted if this is assessed as the best driver usage.
3. Yardmasters required at Wyndham Vale Stabling for safe working access for cleaners (Sat & Sun nights) and fuelling (Sun night). De-watering may
also be required, but is TBC once more detailed stabling analysis is undertaken.
4. Rolling stock is available as these units are currently stabled over the weekend at Wyndham Vale.
5. 6VL operation on services can be assessed based on the selected option, but may impact fuelling requirement
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Recommendations
1. Option 1 is the preferred option to reduce reliance on overtime and to alleviate rolling
stock availability risk. A level of acceptance of risk of driver and conductor availability
as these will be managed via overtime. Can introduce on 31 March 2023 under
circular and customer communications
a. Note: Cleaners required for Saturday night, fuel truck and cleaners required
Sunday night. Resources TBC
2. If required
, run additional coach services WV shuttles on weekends. Based on
patronage levels upon commencement of fare reductions
3. Option 2 – subject to rolling stock availability and funding and recruitment for
conductors introduce late 2023 (if supported by patronage uplift data)
4. Option 3 or 4 – Implemented as part of weekend service uplift project
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6.1.3 Wyndham Vale 9VL Services – weekdays
Under FP61 due to commence on 7 May 2023 the only change to 9VL operation is for the
existing 9VL services to stop at Sunshine Platform, which will be extended during the April
occupation. Based on the modelling without additional 9VL operations there will likely be
overcrowding during the peaks.
The proposal is to introduce all Wyndham Vale services as 9VLs, which equals an additional
4 AM and 3 PM peak services.
As these are existing 6VL services, extra drivers are not required for the actual runs, but are
required to cover the additional preparation time (+46 mins) and any splits for fuelling. The
plan will ideally have these units stay together as 9VL sets during the days as much as
possible, but where these units are unable to remain as a 9VL consists and require splitting
and moves additional driver resources may be required.
Additional conductors will be required to operate these services, as the current procedure
(due to risk assessment outcomes) mandates 2 conductors on 9VL services.
It is also recommended that 8728 and 8730 have stopping conditions at WVL altered to set
down only and service 8781 altered to pick up only (to maintain service connectivity only)
with WVL customers diverted to adjacent WVL 9-car services.
Options for less 9VL consist uplifts was re-assessed with less 9VL operations possible. The
potential impact of this alternative is that it may draw additional resources to split/form the
sets at critical times which will require additional drivers and may impact service
performance around Southern Cross due to additional shunts and docks. With the time
available for the review an initial analysis identified that there may be some alternatives that
may not have impact on drivers or Southern Cross operations.
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Note: 9VL also requires some adjustments to the public facing timetable due to turn-around
times. Would need DTP support to add into FP61, but not implement 9VLs until we flag
required.
9VLs – these won’t have increased journey times. Other lines (~5-6 services) will have
increase journey times 2-3mins. Actuals TBC when more detailed timetabling undertaken.
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Option Assessment
Wyndham Vale - Weekdays
Option
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
Rolling
Kilometres
Comments
Stock
Option 1 – All WV
+10 shifts /
+30 shifts /
0
3 x 3VL1
170 475
Drivers: Risk to cover consistently with overtime.
9VL
week
week
kms/annum
Initial estimate is that we may be able to
accommodate 80% of their time. Availability would
2 FTE
7 FTE
0
be further impacted with any additional
absenteeism etc.
Conductors: High risk with managing with
overtime. Risk increases if other fare reduction
initiatives are implemented, including shifts for
weekends.
Potential mitigation to reduce risk would be to
undertake a policy change and permanently close
buffets that are run by SCS conductors (Swan
Hills, WBL, Bairns). WLU & Bairnsdale (only the 2
services) are planned to transition to all VLs.
If this option was to be considered an assessment
for Day of Ops management for short consist
and/or cancelled needs to be undertaken. This
could be complex to manage.
Option 2 – Additional
5 shifts / week
10 shifts /
0
2 x 3VL1
44 325
Drivers: Less risk but will still be reliant on
1 AMP & 2 PMP
week
kms/annum
overtime
Conductors: Reliant on overtime, but less risk
1 FTE
2 FTE
0
especially if reduced weekend services are
introduced
Option 3 – Additional
5 shifts / week
10 shifts /
0
1 x 3VL1
24 275
Drivers: Less risk but will still be reliant on
1 AMP & 1 PMP
week
kms/annum
overtime
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1 FTE
2 FTE
0
Conductors: Reliant on overtime, but less risk
especially if reduced weekend services are
introduced
Notes:
1. Rolling stock already allocated to this initiative, but resources not funded as part of FP61
2. No additional fuels expected (over and above the anticipated plans for Waurn Ponds stabling in May NSP change)
Recommendations
1. Option 2 or 3 introduced as part of FP61 with acceptance of reliance of overtime risk.
2. Option 1 to be progressed for funding of required roles and introduce as part of future timetable change
3. Run additional coach services WV shuttles during peak periods
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6.1.4 Additional shoulder-peak Melton service
This additional shoulder-peak service would assist with overcrowding and support the school
demand.
Opportunity exists to operate an additional shoulder peak Melton service shadowing the
1516 (8131) WED. This is achieved by returning the 1512 (9931/9924) WVD-WVS-SPE
(arriving 1638) 6VL empty cars 51” minutes earlier at 1421 to arrive SPE 1502. It would then
operate a new 1521 SPE-MEL stopping all stations service arriving MEL 1600. On arrival
the new service would form an 1606 empty cars back to SPE arriving 1638 (as current) to
form its existing fleet rotation.
The operation of this service 5” behind the current 1516 service enables the WED service to
become “pick-up only” at some/all stations through to Bacchus Marsh. The consequent
reduction in patronage (moved to the new Melton service) enables this service to be reduced
to 3VL which generates a spare 3VL unit in the early part of the PM peak to either:
a) Provide additional redundancy or;
b) Allow options for other early peak shoulder overcrowding issues to be dealt with.
The proposed up service to be reduced for balance would be 8142 ex Ballarat.
This initiative will utilise existing 6VL set currently stabled (no additional fleet
requirement). Initiative will generate approximately 32,100 additional V’Locity fleet
kilometres per annum if the 1516 WED continues to operate as a 6VL.
If the opportunity to reduce 8131 and 8142 to 3VL operation the operation would generate a
net v’locity fleet kilometre reduction of approximately 26,950km. No additional fuels are
generated under either scenario as the operations can be accommodated within existing
program.
Even with the additional service, over crowding will still remain a risk during period around
17:00 hours. Services are planned to operate as 6VLs and no train paths on the RRL to
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operate additional trains. The only “notional” slot is at 1709 between the 1706 WBL and the
1712 SOG. A train leaving Southern Cross at this time would likely create some
performance issues to the following trains and could not operate beyond Caroline
Springs. For this option to be consideration additional modelling is required, including
assessment of available resources and fleet.
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Option Assessment
Melton – Additional Shoulder-peak Weekdays
Option
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
Rolling
Kilometres
Comments
Stock
Option 1
0
0
Nil
2 x 3VL1,2,3
32,100 kms
Nil issues raised for driver or conductor
/ annum2
resources.
Nil
Notes:
1. Nil additional fuels
2. No net change in rolling stock due to existing empty runs
3. This service will reduce patronage on existing 6VL service 8131, so this unit can be reduced to a 3VL to make this unit available for
other initiatives. 8142 would also be reduced to 3VL as it is formed by 8131. This would be a net reduction in kilometres of 26,950km
Recommendations
1. Implement with the FP61 timetable on 7 May 2023.
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6.1.5 Shepparton - Saturday 6VL
The first UP service on a Saturday form Shepparton currently operates as a 3VL, which has
the potential to have standing load from Seymour. Loading on a Sunday is not modelled to
be an issue at this time.
This additional unit is stabled at Shepparton over the weekend, so has no impact on fleet
availability. To remove the need for an empty run the return journey could operate as an 6VL
evening service (8369), which would also support any special event planning, though this
would currently require an additional conductor.
The UP service driver resources are ok. Due to the current 2 conductor requirement on 6VL
services this change would result in an additional 2 conductor shifts. This does not equate to
an additional FTE.
Under current stopping conditions 6VLs cannot stop at Heathcote Junction due to the short
length and safety risk at this location. The current Saturday pattern has this (& the evening)
service stopping at Heathcote Junction, so a stop adjustment will be required.
Initiative would generate approximately 22,940 v’locity fleet kilometres per annum. It is not
anticipated that this would generate additional fuel tasks however this will need to be
confirmed upon commissioning of the operating plan supporting the Shepparton Stabling
facility. Any additional fuel requirements generated would be undertaken at Shepparton to
avoid drawing on driver resources.
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Option Assessment
Shepparton – Saturday 6VL
Option
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
Rolling
Kilometres
Comments
Stock
Option 1
01
02
Nil
1 x 3VL
22,940
0 FTE
Nil
Notes:
1. Note: required new Stabling. Current interim requires additional driver, so cannot be achieved with resources.
2. Likely to be 0 conductors due current availability of staff, flow on impacts to overarching availability (risk to all these options)
3. Based on Up service only operating as a 6VL. Assume 4 shifts if Down service also operates as 6VL.
Recommendations
1. Implement 6VL service(s) from 7 April (stabling change) (communications would be required for Heathcote Junction until public
timetable change with FP61)
2. DOWN service could operate as 3VL in interim to mitigate conductor availability risk, but to save drivers the consist would be 6VL with
rear 3VL closed off. Alternative use of this unit in Melbourne could also be assessed
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6.1.6 Wendouree – 8149 & 8151 to 6VL
These services operate as 3VL services, so increasing to a 6VL is recommended.
Assumes the current 1848 (9654) SDL-SPE-BKS 6VL transfer movement ex exams is
rescheduled approximately 35” earlier from South Dynon arriving SPE 1825 to form part of
1848 (8149) WED then return to SPE. Extra unit would then shunt to Bank siding to resume
current roster. This does not appear to create any fuel issues.
The second unit ex exam could then be utilised to double up onto the 1928 (8151) WED then
return to SPE. Extra unit would then shunt to Bank siding to resume current roster. This
also does not appear to create any fuel issues.
Existing schedules have the two units coming back from exams sitting for 47 minutes prior to
attaching and returning to SPE so this move should be feasible.
There may be alternate fleet working changes to minimise attach/detach moves however
these are yet to be confirmed.
Each initiative utilises existing fleet and would increase annual v’locity fleet kilometres by
approximately 59,300 km.
The operation of one of these services as a 6VL is also possible. The earlier service should
be considered due to the loading levels.
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Option Assessment
Wendouree – 8149 & 8151 to 6VL
Option
Drivers
Conductors
Yardmasters
Rolling
Kilometres
Comments
Stock
Option 1
01
01
59,300 km’s
Risk – any slight adjustments to TT times will
per annum
impact driver rostering
Conductor increase shift hours
Ancillary moves still to be confirmed – overall
risk of driver availability
Notes:
1. Unlikely to have an impact. The additional activities will need to be added to the existing roster but I am not envisaging any issues
(subject to review of finalised timetable & fleet plan)
2. Nil fleet availability issues
Recommendations
1. Increase consist to 6VL for one or both of these services from 31 March 2023.
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6.1.7 Melton – Additional AM shoulder peak service
Not supported by V/Line due to crew costs – 1 driver and 1 conductor.
Limited value due to loading. Other initiatives are best to focus on with resources.
Can look at as part of future timetable with required resources recruited and trained
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6.1.8 Albury
The Albury line operates on the Standard Gauge with an allocated 6 x 3VS units. The
current plan utilises all these units, including maintenance requirements. There are no
additional VS units currently in plan to build.
Additional coaches are the only current option available to manage increased patronage at
this time.
At a higher strategic level, consideration must be given to the removal of buffets. By
removing the buffet this would provide an additional xx seats on each 3VS set. This decision
needs to take into account the reputational and customer experience impacts.
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