The VLocity train: How Victoria’s regional rail fleet evolved through two decades of upgrades
In short: Since 2003, the VLocity has become the backbone of Victoria's regional rail network. Originally designed to reach 160 km/h, this diesel multiple unit has undergone constant technical refinement, from solving aerodynamic drag issues to navigating complex wheel-wear challenges, ultimately growing into a fleet of 141 sets serving the state.
The VLocity project began in 2000 when National Express sought 29 two-carriage trains for Victoria’s regional lines. The contract was awarded to Adtranz, which was later acquired by Bombardier Transportation. Early design phases were fraught with technical hurdles; engineers discovered that the body shell intended for the project suffered from poor aerodynamic drag characteristics at the target speed of 160 km/h, necessitating a complete redesign. By the time the first unit was delivered in July 2004, the franchise had reverted to the state government, and the train had become a collaborative international effort, with bogies manufactured in England and control systems developed in Sweden.
Operational life has been defined by continuous adaptation. In 2016, the fleet faced a major crisis when unusually high wheel flange wear forced the withdrawal of a quarter of the trains. A Monash University report later identified the root cause as a combination of tight curves on the newly opened Regional Rail Link and the train's relatively stiff suspension. Beyond mechanical fixes, the fleet has seen significant interior evolution. While early sets featured a two-toilet configuration, later models were modified to improve CCTV, adjust seating capacity, and meet Disability Discrimination Act requirements. Some units even saw the removal of toilets and bike racks to maximize passenger space on short-distance routes.
The VLocity has also expanded its operational scope. While originally limited to short-haul regional travel, the introduction of standard gauge sets in 2021 enabled service on the Albury line, complete with buffet modules. The fleet's growth has been marked by successive government orders, moving from the initial 38 units to a total of 141 sets by 2026. Despite its success, the platform faces inherent constraints; maintenance facility limitations currently restrict the trains to a maximum of three-carriage sets, though nine-carriage configurations have been deployed on specific lines during peak hours to manage demand.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: V/Line VLocity
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