By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
PUBLIC Transport Victoria plans to electrify the Geelong rail line in the next 20 years, according to its latest transport blueprint.
Electrification would make Geelong part of metro services instead of V/Line, the plan said.
The line would be electrified to a new station at Grovedale to become a through-line to South Yarra.
Electrifying the line has been mooted several times since 1950.
The new plan would include 22 high-capacity trains to provide Geelong-Melbourne services, with six an hour during peak times.
“PTV is also investigating the implementation of high-capacity regional trains on the Geelong line ahead of electrification,” the plan said.
“It is envisaged that additional capacity will be required on the line and – given the high number of trains that will need to operate – the electrification of the line will become an appropriate solution to meet long-term growth needs.
“The Grovedale-South Yarra Line will be established upon electrification of the Geelong line and the reconfiguration of the inner-core.
“Services will operate via the Regional Rail Link into platforms 15 and 16 at Southern Cross. These services will then merge with the north-south line over the suburban viaduct before running through to South Yarra.
“The electrification to Geelong will enable the line to be fully integrated into the metropolitan system and create through-running opportunities for Geelong passengers to reach the wider CBD area on one train.”
The plan included duplication from Geelong to Grovedale and works to accommodate electric trains.
Electrification would provide more-efficient and cost-effective rail services between Geelong and Melbourne, catering for rapid growth in travel, the report said.
