THE debut of a VLocity train on the Melbourne to Albury line "doesn't come a moment too soon", Victoria's Opposition public transport spokeswoman says.
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Steph Ryan, who is also the member for Euroa, was commenting after it was revealed last week that the first return service with a VLocity set was scheduled for this Thursday.
Ms Ryan noted the state government had failed to meet earlier timeframes for the introduction of a VLocity.
"The government has missed deadline after deadline to get these trains on the line," she said.
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"I've pushed and pushed them to get this one train in service by the end of the year.
"New trains will deliver more reliable travel for our region.
"It's a significant step forward and it doesn't come a moment too soon."
Two days before the government confirmed details of the VLocity's first appearance, Ms Ryan issued a media release headlined 'Where is the train?'.
She noted the changing timetable from the government and its department.
"In April, the Department of Transport told North East passengers that 'the first of the six trains will start taking passengers in the second half of 2021 following completion of the North East line upgrade and signalling and commissioning works'," Ms Ryan said.
"Three years ago, (Labor minister) Jaclyn Symes promised the trains would be on the track when federal track works were complete, boasting 'you've got the minister on the record, the Premier on the record and me on the record saying that.'
"Just last month, Deputy Secretary of Network and Design Integration William Tieppo told parliament's public accounts and estimates committee, that 'the first train set will go out before Christmas'."
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said following a track upgrade by the Australian Rail Track Corporation, testing of the VLocity had to occur before approval to operate a service.
That was granted on December 21, the same date Ms Ryan issued her media statement.
The use of VLocity sets for every Albury service is not expected to occur until mid-2022 when all 18 carriages that form part of a $340 million order are expected to be in service.
The new trains have USB chargers, bike and luggage racks, shared tables, and six accessible spaces for people who use mobility aids with companion seats nearby.
N class rolling stock has been in use since the 1980s.
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