Liberal Party pledges $1.7 billion hybrid train fleet for Melbourne's western suburbs

Ahead of the November state election, the Victorian Liberal Party has announced a $1.7 billion investment to purchase 25 hybrid diesel-electric trains for the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines. These corridors now depend on limited V-Line services while the state works toward electrification and higher-capacity Metro trains. Matthew Guy, the party's shadow transport minister, claims the hybrid option offers the quickest and most cost-effective way to improve service frequency and capacity, even suggesting the trains could run through the City Loop.

Critics, including Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Jonathan Spear, warn that electrification, track duplication, and new stations will still be required for a lasting solution, estimating a permanent upgrade would cost between $4 billion and $5 billion. Residents such as Jaksha Shah expressed frustration that promised upgrades, like a Westfield mall and new stations at Mt Atkinson, have not materialised despite the area's growth of about 38 new people per day. The newly upgraded Melton station opened today, featuring longer platforms to accommodate larger trains from next year.