Ballarat Gets Extra Train Services Starting December 2026
Ballarat residents on the Melbourne line will see the first extra weekday services added from December 2026 under the frequency policy timetable.
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The Victorian Regional Rail Frequency Policy sets out staged additions to train services on the Ballarat line, with the initial increase of four daily return trips scheduled for December 2026 and further expansions projected for June 2027.
State election candidates from both major parties have highlighted these dates during recent community forums in Ballarat East and Wendouree, focusing on when commuters and shift workers at Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Health Services will notice shorter waits at stations.
Local service changes and daily impacts
Under the policy the Ballarat line will move from 18 to 22 weekday services by the end of 2026, with weekend frequencies rising from eight to 12 services by mid-2027. Residents in Bacchus Marsh and Melton who travel to Ballarat for medical appointments or tourism jobs will gain two additional morning options, while evening returns after 8 pm will increase by one trip each weekday.
Policy analysts note that the timetable changes are funded through the existing Regional Rail Revival allocation of 1.7 billion dollars announced in the 2024 state budget papers, with no new state appropriation required for the frequency component.
Next steps in the rollout
The Department of Transport and Planning will publish the final December 2026 timetable on its website by 1 October 2026 after consultation with V/Line and local councils. Candidates have stated that any further adjustments will depend on rolling-stock availability reported in the next quarterly V/Line performance update.
Local advocates note that the policy requires no changes to existing fare structures or station infrastructure, so the main observable effect for Ballarat residents will be the published service times rather than new physical works.
