SIR, – While it’s great that The Overland will continue to run for a few more years, it would have been a much better option for Wimmera residents if the Victorian government had used funds to install the Spanish TALGO-CAF automatic track gauge changer at Ararat.
This amazing system would allow V/Line Velocity trains to also run on standard-gauge lines, meaning Ballarat-line trains could continue on to Kaniva or even Bordertown with no delay.
This simple system would allow Wimmera towns to have a daily or even twice daily train service directly to Melbourne without going via Geelong.
The automatic gauge-changing system has been successfully operating in Spain for 10 years now and would be a lower cost than continuing to operate The Overland.