Regional train boost in key battleground electorates

TRAIN travellers could see regional services increase by a quarter under a re-elected Labor government, with investment likely to feature in areas emerging as key battlegrounds in the state election.

§ $420 million for additional regional train services

The Melton Line, which goes to Melbourne's outer northwest, will get 162 additional services from 2027 under the $420 million investment.

More than 550 V/Line services will be added across every train line, including Geelong, Seymour and Bendigo. 

"Now we can realise the benefits of Labor's upgrades: delivering more train services and giving you a more reliable way to get around," Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said.

§ More services for Bendigo, Seymour and Wyndham Vale

Increased investment in regional services comes as Labor faces worries in several regional seats ahead of the November 28 election.

Bendigo East, held by former premier Jacinta Allan, is among the seats attracting attention, with the Nationals and One Nation challenging Labor's decades-long hold on the electorate.

Labor is set to announce 101 additional services every week on the Bendigo Line from 2028.

These will include 21 extra services to Bendigo and 80 new services to Kyneton.

Trains will run from Kyneton to Melbourne every 30 minutes between peak times.

In the regional hub of Seymour and the outer north, there will be 29 additional services every week from 2028.

Services will arrive every 40 minutes between the peaks, instead of every hour.

Meanwhile, there will be 249 additional services every week to Wyndham Vale from 2027.

§ Labor fare cap and Coalition train pledges

In October, Mr Carroll pledged to cap public transport fares at $30 a week after half-price fares were introduced earlier in 2026.

In September, the Coalition pledged to back greater train capacity and deliver more trains across the state.

Under the plan, the party said they would introduce new hybrid electric trains on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines to free up 25 three car set V/Line trains.

§ Labor trails opposition in fresh polling

The government's transport pledges come as it trails the Jess Wilson-led opposition just weeks before the election.

Labor's primary vote sits at 23 per cent, with the coalition at 31 per cent, according to the Australian Financial Review/RedBridge/Accent Research poll published on Wednesday.

One Nation remains strong at 22 per cent, while the Greens are sitting at 15 per cent.