V/Line VLocity

V/Line VLocity

Industry	Rail transport
Founded	2004 (2004)
Founder	Bombardier Transportation/Alstom
Headquarters	Dandenong , Australia
Area served	Victoria, Australia
Products	Diesel multiple unit trains
Owner	V/Line

{{Infobox train | background = # | name = V/Line VLocity | image = VLocity train running a service to Traralgon passing through Platform 4 at Hawksburn Station, South Yarra (53186004547).jpg | imagealt = A VLocity train running through South Yarra station. | caption = VLocity set 3VL99 at Hawksburn station, August 2023 | interiorimage = VLocity passenger carriage viewed from front — April 2022.jpg | interiorimagealt = Refurbished interior | interiorcaption = Interior of a refurbished VLocity train, 2022 | stocktype = | service = 2005–present | manufacturer = Bombardier Transportation/Alstom | factory = Dandenong | replaced = | yearconstruction = 2004–present | yearservice = 22 December 2005 | refurbishment = | numberconstruction = 24 carriages (8 sets) | numberbuilt = 403 carriages (133 3-car sets + scrapped 1129) | numberservice = 402 carriages (133 3-car sets) | numberpreserved = 0 | numberscrapped = 1 (1129: accident damage, 1229 renumbered to 1241) | formation = 3 semi-permanently coupled cars | fleetnumbers = | capacity = 222 seats + 6 wheelchairs (per 3 carriage consist), formerly 140 seats + 4 wheelchairs (per 2 carriage consist) | operator = V/Line | depots = Southern Cross | lines = | carbody = Stainless steel | trainlength = 3-cars set:
6-car set: | carlength = | width = | height = | floorheight = | platformheight = | entrylevelorstep = | doors = 4 per carriage (2 per side) |} The V/Line VLocity, commonly referred to as the VLocity 160, is a diesel multiple unit train manufactured by Bombardier Transportation and later Alstom at the Dandenong facility for Victoria’s regional rail provider, V/Line. Production began in 2003, and it stands as the fastest model within the V/Line fleet, achieving speeds up to . As of May 2025, the fleet consists of 131 three-car units actively operating, two damaged units held in storage, and an additional eight sets being built under the current contract, amounting to a total of 141 sets.

Origins of design and initial trials

After securing the V/Line franchise, National Express called for tenders in early 2000 to supply 29 two-car diesel multiple units. The contract, valued at AUD $410 million, was awarded in November to Adtranz’s Dandenong factory, aligning with Victoria’s Regional Fast Rail initiative. The order was subsequently increased to include 38 two-car units alongside a fifteen-year maintenance agreement. By the time deliveries commenced, V/Line had returned to state management and Adtranz had been acquired by Bombardier Transportation.

The design of the VLocity was derived from New South Wales’ Xplorer and Endeavour railcars. Initially, Bombardier intended to adapt the Endeavour’s body shell; however, concerns over aerodynamic drag at the target operational speed of 160 km/h prompted a redesign. The development process ran concurrently with Transperth’s B series trains, resulting in shared design features.

Originally featuring a seating configuration of two plus three across for a total of 173 passengers per two-car unit, this arrangement was revised in 2003 to a more comfortable two plus two layout seating 144 passengers. Production responsibilities were divided: car bodies were constructed in Dandenong, bogies manufactured in Derby, England, and control systems sourced from Västerås, Sweden. The first completed unit emerged in July 2004 and underwent testing shortly thereafter, including a trial run reaching speeds of 160 km/h attended by then-Premier Steve Bracks.

In response to notable derailments in Queensland and New South Wales, safety improvements were mandated. By December 2004, the Victorian Government required installation of the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) on both Regional Fast Rail lines and all VLocity trains. Consideration was given in 2005 to fitting seat belts; however, this was ultimately dismissed due to high costs and technical complications.

During testing phases, excessive noise levels within the cabin were detected, resulting in delays before entering service while modifications were implemented to mitigate this issue.

Commencement of Service

The VLocity trains commenced operation on the Ballarat line on 22 December 2005, with Premier Bracks and Transport Minister Peter Batchelor aboard the inaugural journey departing Southern Cross station. Following a formal launch event in Ballarat, the trains entered regular service. By February 2006, VLocity services expanded to include the Geelong and Bendigo lines. In September 2006, services extended to Traralgon and Seymour, accompanied by a schedule that enabled operation at the maximum speed of 160 km/h, despite concerns raised about TPWS functionality. Additionally, these trains operate on routes to Ararat and Echuca. Starting in 2010, one daily Ballarat line service was lengthened to reach Maryborough.

In 2005, the VLocity was honoured with an Australian Design Award, marking the first time a rail vehicle received this accolade, along with commendation from Engineers Australia.

On 10 November 2008, peak-hour services on the Geelong line began using seven-carriage VLocity formations (comprising two 2-car sets plus one 3-car set), exceeding the prior maximum of six cars per train. Later, with the introduction of fixed 3-car sets, seven-car trains were discontinued; however, from June 2022, limited nine-carriage trains have operated between Southern Cross and Wyndham Vale during peak periods. There are also plans for nine-car services to Melton contingent on electrification of the Metro network from Sunshine to Melton.

Fleet Expansion

After the initial batch of 38 units, an additional two VLocity units were ordered to bring the total to 40, alongside 22 new intermediate trailer cars intended to lengthen existing sets. The first 14 trailers were pledged during the 2006 State Election and ordered in December of that year, followed by an announcement of eight more in October 2007.

In July 2008, the State Government placed an order for nine new three-car units plus one intermediate car to be added to an existing two-car set; this was supplemented by four additional carriages ordered in February 2009. The final unit from this series was delivered by September 2011.

Starting mid-2012, Bombardier selected train sets 3VL30, 3VL40, and 3VL50 for technology upgrades aimed at standardizing train control systems across the fleet.

An order for 40 further carriages was made in November 2012 for delivery between 2014 and 2016; this included seven new three-car sets and 19 intermediate cars designed to convert remaining two-car sets into three-car configurations. This order was later increased to 43 carriages in March 2014. Subsequent orders added another 21 carriages in May 2015 and a further 27 in April 2016. By May 2018, all VLocity sets had been converted exclusively to three-car formations.

In December 2017, nine additional three-car sets were commissioned, expanding the fleet size to 88 three-car units. Sets numbered 76 through 79 featured design modifications such as a single toilet per set instead of two, enhanced CCTV systems, engines tuned for improved fuel efficiency with reduced power output, and revised seating arrangements. Sets numbered 80 through 88 reverted to having two toilets per set but included redesigned seating and a safer front cabin design for drivers. These units entered revenue service by November 2020.

Set 3VL9 was officially named Michelle Payne in honour of the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, acknowledging her connection to regional Victoria; this marked the first time a VLocity or V/Line train received a name since the Sprinter fleet.

During the 2018 Victorian state election, the Andrews government committed to ordering an additional eighteen three-car VLocity sets scheduled for delivery starting in 2021.

At the 2022 Victorian state election, a pledge was made to procure another twenty-three three-car sets aimed at enhancing regional weekend services and facilitating nine-car VLocity operations on Melbourne's Melton line. Production of these units commenced in March 2024. Upon completion of current contracts, the total fleet will comprise 141 three-car VLocity sets operating across the V/Line network.

With manufacturing progressing at a pace of one three-car set every four to six weeks, full delivery is anticipated by early 2026. Given a State Election expected later that year, additional announcements regarding regional rail developments are likely from political parties.

Limitations on Wheel Wear

In early 2016, V/Line took approximately 25% of its VLocity trains out of service after identifying excessive wear on the wheel flanges. Bombardier's maintenance records showed wear levels reaching , significantly exceeding the typical . Although initial indicators appeared as early as December, then-CEO Theo Taifalos prioritized safety by sidelining the most affected units.

On 15 January, a VLocity train failed to trigger boom gates at the Progress Street crossing in Dandenong, leading Metro Trains Melbourne to suspend all VLocity operations on suburban lines until the issue was addressed. These combined problems resulted in close to 70 cancellations of daily V/Line services starting mid-January.

By March, Bombardier had increased its capacity for wheel re-machining and adjusted track profiles in sections associated with the wear, enabling a phased return of the fleet.

An April analysis from Monash University's Institute of Railway Technology identified tight curves and inadequate track lubrication along the new Regional Rail Link—notably near the North Melbourne Flyover—as primary contributors to the wheel degradation. This flyover had been upgraded to facilitate V/Line trains accessing Southern Cross platforms without using metropolitan tracks. The report also pointed to the relatively rigid suspension system of the VLocity as a significant factor in its susceptibility.

Progression in Design

The New Generation Rollingstock units for Queensland Rail, manufactured by Bombardier in India, were derived from the VLocity blueprint and share lineage with the 4000 class EMUs operated by Adelaide Metro. These EMUs themselves evolved from the VLocity shell and were produced in the same facility. Additionally, the Transperth B Series Train shares design roots with the VLocity, as both were developed concurrently by Bombardier.

A 2016 asset management review conducted by V/Line emphasized that the existing VLocity design restricts capacity increases without a comprehensive redesign of the carriage body. The report also highlighted operational limitations due to slower acceleration when compared with V/Line’s locomotive-hauled stock. Consequently, funding was allocated in the 2016–17 Victorian budget to redesign the VLocity for extended routes such as those serving Shepparton, Warrnambool, and Albury/Wodonga.

Interior refurbishment commenced in late 2017 on units 3VR76 through 3VR79, focusing primarily on improving adherence to the Disability Discrimination Act. Subsequent models starting from 3VL80 featured upgraded crash protection measures within the driver’s cabin.

In October 2018, an announcement detailed a revised interior configuration for units 3VR76-3VR79 and 3VL80-3VL88 that increased seating capacity by 14 seats per three-car set through removal of a toilet and bicycle rack. While this modification drew criticism from cycling advocacy groups, government officials defended it as appropriate for short-haul services where enhanced passenger capacity was prioritized. The first trains with these updates entered operation in August 2019.

Currently, all VLocity trains are restricted to three-car formations due to limitations at maintenance depots. Although expanding sets beyond three cars is technically possible, it presents operational difficulties related to compatibility with existing lifting equipment and overhaul facilities.

Overview of Long-Distance Operations

Prior to the 2018 Victorian election, opposition leader Matthew Guy put forward a proposal to procure 16 six-car VLocity train sets from Bombardier, specifically tailored for extended regional travel and equipped with first-class seating and onboard catering services. However, the Coalition was not successful in forming government.

Starting in May 2018, upgrades to level crossings facilitated VLocity trial runs to Bairnsdale, paving the way for the commencement of commercial services later that year. Government representatives confirmed that these long-distance VLocity trains would include enhanced seating arrangements along with onboard refreshment options. A media briefing in July revealed that two out of the three daily Bairnsdale services would be operated by VLocity trains.

In May 2018, the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) announced that new intermediate carriages equipped with buffet facilities would be added to existing sets to create four-car configurations for long-distance routes. This detail likely accounts for the distinctive numbering system assigned to TMC buffet-fitted trailer cars as opposed to regular trailers, although the planned expansion to four-car sets did not materialize.

In April 2020, the Department of Transport released design plans for standard gauge VLocity sets intended for the Albury line. These featured a conventional three-car layout with a central trailer carriage containing a kiosk.

The standard gauge trainsets VS93 and VS94 began operating on the Albury line on 30 December 2021.

, six standard gauge three-car sets (VS93 through VS98) were actively servicing this route. Depending on ridership levels, Albury line services operate with either three- or six-car formations, supported by an additional spare three-car set maintained in Albury for return trips.

Technical Specifications

The VLocity fleet is composed of four distinct carriage types:

• Driver Motor cars with Disabled Access (numbered 11xx & 21xx), designated as DM(D), positioned at the No.1 or "East" end;
• Driver Motor cars (numbered 12xx & 22xx), labeled DM, located at the No.2 or "West" end;
• Standard Trailer Motor cars (numbered 13xx & 23xx), identified as TM;
• Kiosk-equipped Trailer Motor cars (numbered 15xx), designated TMC.

Trainsets are classified using the format zVLxx, where z denotes the total number of carriages in a fixed consist—initially two-car DM(D) and DM pairs but now predominantly three-car sets including trailer units. For instance, the set numbered 1150-1350-1250 corresponds to 3VL50; standard gauge variants follow the VSxx naming convention. The use of the 2VL prefix ceased in May 2018 following conversion of all two-car sets into three-car formations. From set number 100 onwards, carriage numbers shifted from the 1xxx series to 2xxx; for example, VL132’s cars are numbered 2132-2332-2232.

Each carriage is powered by a Cummins QSK19R diesel engine () mounted on its own underframe, which drives both axles on one bogie while the other bogie remains unpowered. An auxiliary power unit from Cummins supplies electricity for lighting and air-conditioning systems. Propulsion is managed via a Voith T312 hydraulic transmission integrated with dynamic braking capabilities.

Cummins recognizes the VLocity as the world’s most dependable diesel railcar, boasting a Mean Distance Between Failures (MDBF) of ; according to V/Line data from 2016–17, MDBF was . Any mechanical failure typically results in a minimum five-minute delay per service disruption.

The primary suspension system incorporates traction rods with elastomer bushings linking the axle box to the bogie frame. Notable design features include air-conditioning units recessed into ceiling panels and a modular crumple zone nose cone designed for straightforward replacement after collisions.

VLocity trains are equipped with Scharfenberg couplers allowing mechanical coupling with other VLocity units; they can also physically connect to older Sprinter DMUs but lack electrical integration, necessitating operation by drivers in both units and use of towing adapters when hauled by locomotives.

Operating across V/Line’s broad gauge network and ARTC’s standard gauge route to Albury, their gauge-adaptable bogies are produced by Bombardier’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works facility. Each unit is engineered for an operational lifespan of approximately 35 years; a typical three-car set has a mass of around 171 tonnes.

Interior

The driver's console of the VLocity is positioned beneath the seamless windscreen and accommodates two seats configured to align with Australia's left-hand trackside signalling system. The control panel incorporates a combined throttle and brake lever offering six distinct power settings, an independent brake lever, and a reverser handle. Due to the addition of trailer cars, supplementary gauges were installed to monitor the driveline's condition.

Seating follows a 2+2 arrangement, combining elements of club-style and aircraft-style rows; however, the seats neither swivel nor recline. Each grouping provides four wheelchair spaces through the use of tip-up seats. The train delivers economy-class seating widths comparable to those found in first-class sections on V/Line locomotive-hauled services. Passenger input resulted in a 2.5-degree increase in seatback uprightness for intermediate carriages starting from July 2010, along with refreshed upholstery materials.

Instead of curtains used in earlier models, tinted windows are now standard. Passengers can move freely within each three-car formation but are restricted from moving between separate sets; conductors transfer between coupled sets at stations.

Although tables were tested on one unit and later removed, fold-down tray tables are available for 32 seats in intermediate carriages of three-car sets, emulating first-class service standards. Overhead racks provide space for small baggage, while designated storage areas accommodate larger items such as surfboards and bicycles. A short-lived bicycle ban during peak hours in 2008 was promptly rescinded.

Long-distance standard gauge sets include kiosk-style catering services.

The train’s all-metal body and metallic window tinting interfere with radio signals inside the carriages, limiting mobile phone connectivity. To mitigate this issue, a 2018 collaboration between Telstra, V/Line, VicTrack, Alstom, and CommScope installed 3G/4G mobile phone repeater units across all VLocity trains. The Node AM repeater by CommScope retransmits essential frequency bands utilized by Australia’s main carriers (Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom).

This project was supported by government funding that enabled the installation of 35 additional mobile base stations to cover signal dead zones beyond repeater range. After the nationwide decommissioning of 3G networks and reallocation of spectrum for 4G/5G use, the Node AM repeaters are currently undergoing reprogramming and retuning trials ahead of full deployment.

Livery

Initially, the VLocity trains sported a stainless steel body accented with purple and green facings. In March 2008, set 3VL41 introduced a revised cab design featuring reflective yellow and silver elements to enhance visibility, following safety recommendations after level crossing incidents. Subsequently, all units were updated to this new design.

In June 2010, set 3VL42 unveiled a fresh livery replacing purple with crimson on the roof area, green with red elsewhere, adding a red stripe beneath the windows, white doors, and a yellow front end. This set also incorporated high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights capable of illuminating up to one kilometer, along with redesigned wipers and cab windows.

By 2014, set 3VL40 adopted the new Public Transport Victoria livery. From set 3VL52 onward, trains were delivered featuring the purple "Polly Waffle" livery, which was subsequently applied retroactively to earlier units.

Reception and impact

The VLocity’s 2+2 seating configuration accommodates approximately 70 passengers per carriage, which is fewer than the earlier Sprinter models that featured a narrower 2+3 arrangement with 89 seats.

The Regional Fast Rail initiative encountered criticism due to budget overruns, partly attributed to the implementation of extra safety measures for operating at 160 km/h, introduced following the Waterfall rail accident in New South Wales.

By 2012, VLocity trains were recognized for revitalizing communities along V/Line corridors by enhancing speed, comfort, and service dependability. The increased service frequency facilitated the expansion of Melbourne’s commuter belt, improving connectivity from regional centers such as Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong.

A federal report released in 2014 found that VLocity trains substantially enhanced regional rail accessibility and passenger satisfaction through superior ride comfort. The report emphasized that the operational benefits derived from higher service frequency outweighed the advantages of reduced travel times alone.

In 2021, V/Line commenced VLocity operations on the Albury line, substituting locomotive-hauled trains with a variant suited for longer distances. This transition attracted criticism over diminished comfort levels, overcrowding issues, lack of onboard amenities, and inconsistent catering services linked to staffing shortages.

Starting November 2024, VLocity units replaced non-overnight locomotive-hauled services on the Warrnambool line. This change prompted complaints concerning the absence of trains specifically designed for extended regional journeys. Additional concerns included noticeable engine noise inside carriages, seat comfort deficiencies, and the lack of onboard catering options.

Accidents and incidents

On 28 April 2006, set 2VL29 was involved in a collision with a tri-axle road trailer transporting heavy equipment at the Trawalla level crossing. The accident resulted in two fatalities within the train cab and one passenger death; forty others sustained injuries. The train had been operational for only seven days. Carriage 1129 was severely damaged and written off; carriage 1229 underwent repairs, was renumbered as 1241, and later integrated into a new set. The entire set 2VL29 was subsequently withdrawn from service.

On 5 May 2006, set 2VL4 collided with a vehicle at the protected Rockbank level crossing near Melton, causing thirty passengers and the car driver to require hospitalization.

On 26 February 2010, a fire ignited in the park brake system of set 2VL5 during a Bendigo route service. The fire was rapidly extinguished at Watergardens station. Investigations indicated that the brake had either not been released or had been unintentionally engaged by a relief driver.

On 22 August 2014, a Metro Trains Comeng unit halted near Laverton due to braking malfunctions. Shortly thereafter, V/Line train 8280 passed a stop signal and collided with the rear of the stationary Metro train. Minor injuries were reported for the VLocity driver and eight Metro passengers. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau attributed this incident to excessive speed, driver distraction, and insufficient rear marker lighting on the Metro train.

On 15 February 2017, set 3VL34 derailed close to Kangaroo Flat after striking an abandoned vehicle; two individuals were injured.

On 30 May 2020, set 3VL70 failed to halt at Ballarat station because of brake failure. It crashed through the historic Lydiard Street level crossing gates at a speed of 93 km/h and came to rest approximately 600 meters beyond the platform. The crossing remained closed for one year before being replaced with boom barriers as announced by the Victorian government in May 2021; it reopened in November of that year.

On 14 July 2022, set 3VL35 collided with a semi-trailer at an unprotected level crossing near Goornong. No passengers were injured; both drivers required hospitalization. The train underwent repairs and returned to active service.

On 11 December 2023, set 3VL100 struck a semi-trailer obstructing the Station Street level crossing in Norlane. The truck driver died; no injuries were reported among crew or passengers.

On 30 November 2024, standard gauge set 3VS97 derailed near Southern Cross No.1 Signal Box during a non-revenue positioning move without passengers aboard. This incident disrupted all standard gauge services including Sydney XPT until re-railing was completed later that evening.

At approximately 10:10 am on 11 February 2025, set 3VL60 collided with a truck towing a Dog Trailer loaded with a Skid Steer at an uncontrolled farm driveway crossing in Kilmany. The trailer penetrated carriage DM(D)1160’s side panel causing seat dislodgement but no serious injuries were reported.

Operations

Up to four 3-car VLocity sets can be linked together to form a single train. Between 2008 and 2016, 7-car VLocity formations operated on the Geelong line, created by combining two 2-car sets with one 3-car set. Following the fleet's transition to exclusively 3-car configurations, the majority of services now run as either three- or six-car trains. Beginning on 30 May 2022, in response to increased peak-time demand, some 9-car VLocity trains started operating between Wyndham Vale and Southern Cross during busy periods.

VLocity trains provide scheduled passenger services on the following routes:

• North East line: connecting Melbourne with Seymour, Shepparton, and extending on standard gauge tracks to Albury
• Gippsland line: running from Melbourne to Traralgon and Bairnsdale
• Bendigo line: servicing Melbourne to Bendigo, continuing to Eaglehawk (Swan Hill line) and Echuca (Echuca line)
• Warrnambool line: linking Melbourne with Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool
• Serviceton line: covering Melbourne to Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough (Mildura line)
• Additionally, non-revenue movements between Geelong and Ballarat occur when the direct Melbourne-Ballarat route is closed for maintenance access.

VLocity trains are permitted to operate at speeds up to 160 km/h only on lines equipped with fully secured level crossings and where track upgrades have been completed. Sections beyond Epsom (towards Echuca) and Wendouree (towards Ararat) do not meet these requirements, resulting in speed restrictions; nevertheless, the Echuca line allows operations up to 130 km/h. Government-initiated upgrade programs announced in 2017 and 2019 aim to extend VLocity service coverage with improved speed capabilities reaching Warrnambool, Albury, Bairnsdale, and Shepparton.

For driver instruction, V/Line employs a VLocity simulator that accurately replicates the driver’s cab environment with immersive visual and audio effects. Training instructors have the ability to manipulate track scenarios and introduce simulated faults.

On 21 June 2020, a trial run involving a 9-car train took place between Southern Cross and Wyndham Vale to evaluate platform compatibility. By June 2022, peak-hour services included one morning inbound and two evening outbound 9-car trains along this corridor. Due to platform length limitations at Sunshine station, these longer trains initially bypassed this stop until platform extensions were finalized by May 2023. Subsequent timetable revisions scheduled for late 2024 adjusted service times for these extended train formations.

Standard gauge VLocity operations began on the Albury line on 30 December 2021. Services to Shepparton commenced on 31 October 2022, while Warrnambool routes fully transitioned to VLocity sets from November 2024 after improvements were made to stabling facilities.

As of May 2025, VLocity trains do not serve the Swan Hill line (which continues to be operated by N class locomotives hauling N type carriages), the Seymour line (utilizing a mix of Sprinter and VLocity units), or the Stony Point line (operated by Metro Trains using leased V/Line Sprinter rolling stock).