LeadWest welcomes commitment to greater rail capacity for Melbourne's west

2 September 2026

A statement from Chair of LeadWest, Cr Susan Yengi:

LeadWest welcomes this week’s announcement of a $1.7 billion commitment to deliver 25 new hybrid-electric trains for Melbourne’s west, recognising the urgent need for greater rail capacity as communities across Melton and Wyndham continue to grow.

More trains, more seats and more frequent services would provide an important improvement for passengers who are currently relying on V/Line services to travel to work, education and essential services.

However, additional trains must be part of a broader, long-term investment in the rail infrastructure Melbourne’s West needs.

LeadWest’s priority remains the full delivery of the Western Rail Plan, including the electrification of the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines, new stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park, and the infrastructure upgrades required to deliver a modern, high-capacity metropolitan rail network. In addition, stations along the Wyndham Vale line at Truganina, Black Forest Road and Sayers Road in Wyndham will also be needed.

The scale of demand is already clear. Passengers from Melton and Wyndham account for around 40 per cent of all V/Line boardings outside Southern Cross, while the population between Melton and Wyndham is projected to grow from around 597,000 people in 2026 to more than 940,000 by 2046.

The current network is increasingly being asked to perform the role of a metropolitan suburban rail network, despite relying on V/Line services designed for regional travel.

LeadWest welcomes commitments that increase capacity in the short term, but we cannot afford to lose sight of the infrastructure investment required to support our region’s long-term growth.

We are calling on all parties to commit to the full delivery of the Western Rail Plan, with clear funding, timing and implementation commitments. That means delivering the trains and services communities need now, while progressing the electrification, new stations and network upgrades required to build a rail system that can support Melbourne’s west for decades to come.

Melbourne’s west is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Our communities need a rail network that is built for the future, not one that is continually playing catch-up with population growth.

More trains are welcome. Now we need the infrastructure to make sure Melbourne’s west can keep moving. Let’s get it done.