View source for Werribee line

{{Short description|Passenger rail service in metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia}}
{{about|the Metro Trains Melbourne service|the physical railway itself|Warrnambool railway line}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox rail service
| name               = Werribee
| color              = {{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}}
| logo               = {{ric|Melbourne|Werribee|size=100px}}
| image              = Comeng_Werribee.jpg
| image_width        = 250px
| image_alt          = A 6-car Alstom Comeng led by 561M at Werribee station preparing to run a city-bound Flinders Street service
| caption            = Werribee station, the [[Terminal train station|terminus]] of the Werribee line, with an Alstom [[Comeng (train)|Comeng]] at Platform 2, April 2024
| type               = [[Commuter rail]]
| status             = Operational
| system             = [[Railways in Melbourne|Melbourne railway network]]
| locale             = [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]
| predecessor        = {{Plainlist|
* Geelong (1857–1983)
* Williamstown Racecourse (1885–1920)
* Altona Beach (1888–1890)
* Altona Beach (1917–1926)
* Williamstown Racecourse ^ (1920–1940)
* Altona Beach ^ (1926–1938)
* Altona ^ (1938–1985)
}} ^ are electric services
| first              = {{Start date and age|1857|6|25|df=y}}
| last               = <!--{{End date and age|yyyy|mm|dd|df=y}}-->
| successor          = 
| operator           = [[Metro Trains Melbourne|Metro Trains]]
| formeroperator     = {{Plainlist|
* [[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company|Geelong and Melbourne Railway (G&MR)]] (1857–1860)
* [[Victorian Railways|Victorian Railways (VR)]] (1860–1974)
* Altona Beach Estates (1888–1890)
* VR as VicRail (1974–1983)
* [[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|MTA (The Met)]] (1983–1989)
* [[Public Transport Corporation|PTC (The Met)]] (1989–1998)
* [[M-Train|Bayside Trains]] (1998–2000)
* [[M-Train|M>Train]] (2000–2004)
* [[Connex Melbourne]] (2004–2009)
}}
| ridership          = 
| ridership2         = 
| website            = 
| start              = {{rwsa|Flinders Street}} (some continue to {{rwsa|Frankston}})
| stops              = 17 (excluding City Loop stations)
| end                = {{rwsa|Werribee}}
| distance           = {{Convert|32.9|km|abbr=on}} (via Altona)
| journeytime        = 39 minutes (direct)<br>49 minutes (via Altona)
| frequency          = {{blist|20 minutes weekdays to Laverton via Altona|4–15 minutes weekdays peak to Werribee direct|20 minutes weekdays off-peak to Werribee direct|20 minutes at nights and weekends to Werribee via Altona|60 minutes [[Night Network (Melbourne)|early weekend mornings]] to Werribee via Altona|Extra frequency daytime between Flinders Street and Newport in combination with [[Williamstown railway line|Williamstown line]]|Certain trains continue or start from Frankston}}
| line_used          = Altona, [[Warrnambool railway line|Warrnambool]]
| class              = 
| access             = 
| seating            = 
| baggage            = 
| otherfacilities    = 
| stock              = [[Comeng (train)|Comeng]], [[Siemens Nexas|Siemens]], [[X'Trapolis 100]]
| gauge              = {{Track gauge|1600 mm}}
| el                 = 1500 [[Volt|V]] [[Direct current|DC]] [[Overhead line|overhead]]
| owners             = [[VicTrack]]
| routenumber        = 
| maintenance        = 
| map                = {{Werribee Metro Service|inline=yes}}
| map_state          = collapsed
}}

The '''Werribee line''' is a [[commuter rail]]way line in the city of [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Werribee Line |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB |archive-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907155122/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Operated by [[Metro Trains Melbourne]], it is the city's ninth longest metropolitan railway line at {{convert|32.9|km}}.

The line runs from [[Flinders Street railway station|Flinders Street station]] in central Melbourne to [[Werribee railway station|Werribee station]] in the south-west, serving 17 stations via [[Footscray railway station|Footscray]], [[Newport railway station, Melbourne|Newport]] and [[Laverton railway station, Melbourne|Laverton]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2017 |title=Metro's paper timetables mess |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2017/09/04/metro-paper-timetable-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209095505/https://www.danielbowen.com/2017/09/04/metro-paper-timetable-issues/ |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022 |website=Daniel Bowen}}</ref> Unusually amongst Melbourne's suburban lines, the Werribee line splits into two routes between Newport and Laverton: a single-track branch through [[Altona railway station|Altona]] (known as the '''Altona loop''' or the '''Altona line'''), and a direct express route which bypasses Altona and has no intermediate stations. The line operates for approximately 19 hours a day (from approximately 5:00 am to around 12:00 am) with 24 hour service available on Friday and Saturday nights. During peak hour, [[headway]]s of 10 minutes are operated with services every 20 minutes during off-peak hours.<ref name=":322">{{Cite web |date=1 March 2021 |title=New timetable train line information – Public Transport Victoria |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/the-new-timetable-for-victorias-train-network/new-timetable-train-line-information/?line=cranbourne-and-pakenham |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301102536/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/the-new-timetable-for-victorias-train-network/new-timetable-train-line-information/?line=cranbourne-and-pakenham |archive-date=1 March 2021 |access-date=18 December 2022 |website=}}</ref> Trains on the Werribee line run with a two three-car formation of [[Comeng (train)|Comeng]], [[Siemens Nexas]], and [[X'Trapolis 100]] trainsets.<ref name=":182">{{Cite web |last=Carey |first=Adam |date=7 November 2014 |title=Trains are working better but seating not guaranteed |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/trains-are-working-better-but-seating-not-guaranteed-20141107-11ifm4.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206070133/https://www.smh.com.au/national/trains-are-working-better-but-seating-not-guaranteed-20141107-11ifm4.html |archive-date=6 February 2023 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>

Part of the line initially opened in 1857 by the [[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company]]. The line was progressively finished within the next two years, allowing trains to travel from Melbourne to Geelong. In April 1885, a short branch was opened off the Werribee line just past Newport to [[Williamstown Racecourse railway station|Williamstown Racecourse]], and in November 1888, a branch was opened off the Racecourse branch to [[Altona railway station|Altona]], terminating at a station named Altona Beach.<ref name="guiney2"/> The construction of these lines played important parts in the development of Geelong and Melbourne's west during the 19th and 20th centuries, with the line continuing to be an important asset in the 21st century.

Since the 2010s, due to the heavily utilised infrastructure of the Werribee line, improvements and upgrades have been made. Works have included replacing [[Railroad tie|sleepers]], upgrading signalling technology, the removal of level crossings, planning for new infrastructure, the introduction of new rolling stock, and station accessibility upgrades.<ref name=":102">{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=29 November 2022 |title=Western Rail Plan |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/western-rail-plan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302215402/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/western-rail-plan |archive-date=2 March 2021 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==

=== 19th century ===
[[File:Geelong and Melbourne Drawing 3.jpg|left|thumb|The original plans for the [[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company]]'s lines to Geelong/Werribee and Williamstown]]
In 1857, the [[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company]] (G&MRC) opened the Werribee to [[Little River railway station|Little River]] section of the line they were building between Newport and Geelong, then in June of that year, they opened the section between Werribee and a temporary station near Newport, known as Greenwich.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 July 1859 |title=GEELONG AND MELBOURNE RAILWAY COMPANY. |work=Argus |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5684044 |access-date=11 May 2023}}</ref> The intention was to connect to the [[Williamstown railway line|Williamstown line]] being built by the [[Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company]], with whom they had arranged permission to run the former company's trains over the latter company's tracks to Melbourne, but the Williamstown line was not yet ready.

However, by October 1857, construction of the Williamstown line had sufficiently advanced to allow the Geelong trains to run to the terminus at [[Williamstown Pier railway station|Williamstown Pier]], so Greenwich station was closed and a connection was made to the Williamstown line towards Williamstown.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=28 June 1952 |title=GEELONG to "GREENWICH |work=Age |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205406694 |access-date=11 May 2023}}</ref> From Williamstown Pier, passengers could connect to a ferry across [[Hobsons Bay]] to [[Port Melbourne, Victoria|Port Melbourne]].<ref name=":8" />

The Williamstown line fully opened in January 1859, so the connection near Newport towards Williamstown was removed and replaced with a connection to Newport, and the through running of Geelong trains to Melbourne commenced.<ref name=":8" />

In April 1885, a short branch was opened off the Werribee line just past Newport to [[Williamstown Racecourse railway station|Williamstown Racecourse]], and in November 1888, a branch was opened off the Racecourse branch to [[Altona railway station|Altona]], terminating at a station named Altona Beach.<ref name="guiney2">{{cite book |last1=Guiney |first1=Michael |title=The Altona Bay Railway |date=1988 |publisher=self-published}}</ref> This branch was opened by the Altona and Laverton Bay Freehold and Investment Company to encourage people to buy their land in the area.<ref name="guiney2"/> However, the line closed less than two years later, in August 1890.

=== 20th century ===
A portion of the Altona Beach line near Williamstown Racecourse was leased by the [[Victorian Railways]] (VR) in 1906 to store race trains.<ref name="alhs2">{{Cite web |title=Racecourse – Altona Homestead – Home of the Altona Laverton Historical Society |url=https://alhs.com.au/local-history/racecourse/ |access-date=11 May 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505204829/https://alhs.com.au/local-history/racecourse/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sometime between 1911 and 1919, the line reopened for [[goods train]]s with a [[rail siding|siding]] built from Altona Beach to the Melbourne and Altona Colliery Company mine. From November 1917, the VR worked on the line on behalf of the then owners, Altona Beach Estates Ltd., but to a relocated Altona Beach station, short of the original terminus.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 1917 |title=THE RAILWAYS. |work=Argus |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1667418 |access-date=11 May 2023}}</ref>

The VR [[electrified railway|electrified]] the Williamstown line and the branch to Williamstown Racecourse in August 1920.<ref name="alhs2"/><ref name="LHarrigan3">{{Cite book |last=Harrigan |first=Leo J |title=Victorian Railways to '62 |publisher=Victorian Railways Public Relations and Betterment Board |year=1962 |location=Melbourne}}</ref> In October 1924, the VR took total control of the Altona Beach line, and electrified it in October 1926.<ref name="LHarrigan3"/> Automatic Block Signalling was commissioned between South Kensington and [[Yarraville railway station|Yarraville]] in August 1927, and then on to Newport. The Automatic and Track Control system was installed from Newport South towards Geelong, enabling bidirectional use of the then [[Single track (rail)|single track]] line.
[[File:Williamstown-racecourse-station.jpg|left|thumb|The site of the former Williamstown Racecourse station, 2008.]]
The Williamstown Racecourse branch closed in May 1950.<ref name="alhs2"/> Duplication of the Werribee line occurred in stages between 1960 and 1968, with the Altona branch converted to Automatic Block Signalling in October 1967. First announced by the Transport Minister [[Joe Rafferty (politician)|Joe Rafferty]] in 1977, the line from Altona Junction to Werribee was electrified in September 1983.<ref>{{Victorian Rail-Newsrail|title=Works|month=10|year=1977|page=228}}</ref>

By the early 1980s, the Altona line was under threat of closure, as recommended in the [[Lonie Report]].<ref name="newsrailsep81">{{Victorian Rail-Newsrail|title=Traffic|month=9|year=1981|page=212}}</ref> In October 1981, the rail service was drastically cut, with all shuttle services withdrawn, and only two morning and evening trains being operated to and from Melbourne.<ref name="guiney2"/> However, a [[1982 Victorian state election|change of state government in 1982]] saw the restitution of many services in July of that year.<ref name="guiney2"/> On 21 January 1985, the line was extended to [[Westona railway station|Westona]], which served as the terminus until April of that year when the line was extended to Laverton.<ref name="theage">{{cite news |last=Harrington |first=Tony |date=22 January 1985 |title=Western suburbs get new station, lose three others |page=5 |work=[[The Age]]}}</ref><ref name="RailGeelong">{{cite news |title=Altona Station |url=http://www.railgeelong.com/location/altona |access-date=14 February 2023 |website=Rail Geelong |archive-date=3 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203092826/https://www.railgeelong.com/location/altona/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>"Victoria" ''[[Railway Digest]]'' March 1985 page 97</ref><ref>"Victoria" ''Railway Digest'' May 1985 page 151</ref> When the Altona line was extended to Laverton, it was integrated into the Werribee line, becoming the Altona loop. At the same time as the extension to Laverton, the line from Altona to Westona, which had temporarily been operated by [[token (railway signalling)|Staff and Ticket]] [[safeworking]], was converted to Automatic and Track Control.

=== 21st century ===
{{Main|Werribee railway line#Future}}

[[File:Railway and Merton Street rail bridge looking east, Altona Meadows (51106538079).jpg|thumb|Sections of the Werribee Line operate through undeveloped land, such as this section through [[Altona Meadows]]]]
Initially, almost every Werribee bound service ran via Altona, but a timetable re-write in May 2011 saw this section converted to a separate service for the majority of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=29 March 2011 |title=Quick review of the new Metro timetables |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2011/03/30/metro-may-timetables/ |access-date=18 December 2019 |website=Daniel Bowen |language=en-AU |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218113743/https://www.danielbowen.com/2011/03/30/metro-may-timetables/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The rewrite introduced the controversial practice of having trains serving the Altona Loop run as a shuttle service between Laverton and Newport during off peak hours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Butt |first=Adam Carey, Craig |date=8 July 2013 |title=A tale of two rail lines: Altona slumps while Werribee soars |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/a-tale-of-two-rail-lines-altona-slumps-while-werribee-soars-20130708-2pmcs.html |access-date=18 December 2019 |website=The Age |language=en |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218113739/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/a-tale-of-two-rail-lines-altona-slumps-while-werribee-soars-20130708-2pmcs.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shuttle services were ended in August 2017, with weekday direct services to and from the city being reinstated to the Altona Loop.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DIRECT CITY SERVICES FOR ALTONA LOOP RESTORED, AS PROMISED {{!}} Jill Hennessy |url=http://www.jillhennessy.com.au/media-releases/direct-city-services-for-altona-loop-restored-as-promised/ |access-date=18 December 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218113745/http://www.jillhennessy.com.au/media-releases/direct-city-services-for-altona-loop-restored-as-promised/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Melbourne RRL.png|thumb|The completion of the [[Regional Rail Link project|Regional Rail Link]] in 2015 brought numerous benefits to the operations on the Werribee line.]]
In June 2015, the completion of the [[Regional Rail Link]] allowed for the rerouting of [[Geelong V/Line rail service|Geelong]] and [[Warrnambool V/Line rail service|Warrnambool]] services via the 90&nbsp;km of new track constructed between [[Little River railway station|Little River]] and [[Deer Park railway station|Deer Park]] stations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2015 |title=Victoria's new regional rail link opens to cater for busy western suburbs |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-14/victorias-new-regional-rail-link-opens-western-suburbs/6544578 |access-date=18 December 2019 |website=ABC News |language=en-AU |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108132929/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-14/victorias-new-regional-rail-link-opens-western-suburbs/6544578 |url-status=live }}</ref> Instead of stopping at select stations on the Werribee line, services now stop at new stations at [[Wyndham Vale railway station|Wyndham Vale]] and [[Tarneit railway station|Tarneit]] which are in Melbournes growing western suburbs. The separation of suburban and regional trains has reduced overcrowding, increased capacity, and improved service reliability on the Werribee line in addition to the benefits seen on Geelong services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 August 2015 |title=Commuters moving to new stations |url=https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/fewer-commuters-boarding-trains-at-werribee-since-regional-rail-link-opened/news-story/acfe2911802c7291c202780b4b786c89 |access-date=18 December 2019 |website=Herald Sun |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2021, a major timetable rewrite resulted in increased frequencies and weekend daytime shuttle services being extended from [[Newport railway station, Melbourne|Newport]] to [[Flinders Street railway station|Flinders Street]].<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |title=New timetable train line information |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/the-new-timetable-for-victorias-train-network/new-timetable-train-line-information/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204042226/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/the-new-timetable-for-victorias-train-network/new-timetable-train-line-information/ |archive-date=4 February 2021 |access-date=31 January 2021 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref> Peak hour weekday services now stop at [[South Kensington railway station|South Kensington]], which simplifies stopping patterns on the [[Sunbury railway line|Sunbury]] line.<ref name=":23" /> In addition, peak hour frequencies were also made more consistent for the Altona Loop.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2020 |title=New train timetables confirmed for January |url=https://www.danielbowen.com/2020/12/01/new-train-timetables-january-2021/ |access-date=31 January 2021 |website=Daniel Bowen |language=en-AU |archive-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127031321/https://www.danielbowen.com/2020/12/01/new-train-timetables-january-2021/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Future ==
=== Level crossing removals ===
[[File:Cherry Street level crossing, Werribee.jpg|thumb|The Cherry Street level crossing in Werribee prior to its 2021 removal.]]
The [[Level Crossing Removal Project]] has announced the removal of all remaining level crossings on the Werribee line, to be completed in stages from 2018 to 2030. In 2018, one level crossing was removed at Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown North.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kororoit Creek Road, Williamstown North {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/kororoit-creek-road |access-date=13 December 2019 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108234506/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/kororoit-creek-road |url-status=live }}</ref> The crossing was removed by raising the rail line onto a rail bridge above the road with partial [[Track duplication|duplication]] of the Altona Loop completed as part of the project.<ref name=":0" /> In 2019, another level crossing was removed at Aviation Road, Laverton.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Aviation Road, Laverton {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/aviation-road-laverton |access-date=13 December 2019 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=11 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811154825/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/aviation-road-laverton |url-status=live }}</ref> The crossing was removed by raising the road onto a bridge above the rail line with upgrades to Aircraft station in conjunction with the project.<ref name=":3" /> The upgrades included a redesigned station forecourt and construction of a new pedestrian underpass.<ref name=":3" /> In 2021, a total of 3 level crossings were removed at various locations along the line. Crossings were removed at Old Geelong Road in [[Hoppers Crossing, Victoria|Hoppers Crossing]] and Werribee Street and Cherry Street in Werribee. Two of these crossings were removed with road bridges and one with a rail bridge.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/old-geelong-road-hoppers-crossing |access-date=13 December 2019 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=21 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121130810/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/old-geelong-road-hoppers-crossing |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cherry Street, Werribee {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/cherry-street-werribee |access-date=13 December 2019 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118045913/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/cherry-street-werribee |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Werribee Street, Werribee {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/werribee-street-werribee |access-date=13 December 2019 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112063733/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/projects/werribee-street-werribee |url-status=live }}</ref> The removal of the crossing at Old Geelong Road in Hoppers Crossing also included an upgrade to [[Hoppers Crossing railway station|Hoppers Crossing station]] with a new overpass, station forecourt, and bus interchange.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Designs confirmed for Werribee Street and Old Geelong Road {{!}} Level Crossing Removal Project |url=https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/designs-confirmed-for-werribee-street-and-old-geelong-road |access-date=10 April 2020 |website=levelcrossings.vic.gov.au |language=en |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319021437/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/designs-confirmed-for-werribee-street-and-old-geelong-road |url-status=live }}</ref> The final five crossings along the line (excluding the ones on the Altona Loop) will be removed by 2030. The crossing at Hudsons Road, [[Spotswood, Victoria|Spotswood]] and Maddox Road, Newport will be removed by constructing two separate rail bridges with a new [[Spotswood railway station|Spotswood station]] also being built.<ref name=":195">{{Cite web |title=Making The Werribee Line Level Crossing Free {{!}} Premier of Victoria |url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/making-werribee-line-level-crossing-free |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025232033/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/making-werribee-line-level-crossing-free |archive-date=25 October 2022 |access-date=26 October 2022 |website=www.premier.vic.gov.au |language=en}}</ref> In addition, the crossing at Maidstone Street will be removed with the construction of a road bridge and two crossings—Anderson Street and Champion Road—will be closed off.<ref name=":195"/> At the end of these works, the Werribee line will be fully level crossing free by 2030.

=== Network reconfiguration ===
When the new cross-city rail corridor being built by the [[Metro Tunnel]] opens in 2025 there will be a reorganisation of the Melbourne rail network.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |title=PTV Network Development Plan Metropolitan Rail Overview |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/PTV_Network-Development-Plan_Metropolitan-Rail_Overview_2016update.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919131436/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/PTV_Network-Development-Plan_Metropolitan-Rail_Overview_2016update.pdf |archive-date=19 September 2021 |access-date=18 December 2012 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> The [[Department of Transport and Planning|Victorian Department of Transport and Planning]] plans to return the [[Frankston railway line|Frankston line]] to the [[City Loop]], with dedicated use of the Caulfield group tunnel track.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web |last=Planning |first=Department of Transport and Planning |title=Transport strategies and plans |url=https://dtp.vic.gov.au/about/planning/transport-strategies-and-plans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212093612/https://dtp.vic.gov.au/about/planning/transport-strategies-and-plans |archive-date=12 February 2023 |access-date=7 February 2023 |website=dtp.vic.gov.au |language=en-au}}</ref> This will mean Frankston line trains will no longer through-run with Werribee and Williamstown line trains, and will again stop at City Loop stations [[Flagstaff railway station|Flagstaff]], [[Melbourne Central railway station|Melbourne Central]], and [[Parliament railway station|Parliament]].<ref name=":62" /> As part of the reconfiguration, the Werribee and Williamstown lines would instead begin through-running services to Sandringham for the first time.<ref name=":62" />

=== Melbourne Metro 2 ===
{{Main|Melbourne Metro 2}}

[[File:Melbourne_rail_map_with_former_lines_and_planned_extensions.svg|alt=A map of Melbournes past, present, and future rail system|thumb|The indicative alignment of the [[Melbourne Metro 2]].]]
The [[Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail|2012 Network Development Plan]] identified the need for an east-west tunnel connecting the Werribee (and potentially) the [[Geelong V/Line rail service|Geelong line]] to the [[Mernda railway line|Mernda line]].<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |title=Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025 |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=11 December 2022 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> The project would split the Mernda line from the [[Hurstbridge railway line|Hurstbridge line]] after [[Clifton Hill railway station|Clifton Hill]] into a new tunnel, travelling east stopping at a new station in the "inner north", before connecting with at [[Parkville railway station|Parkville]], [[Flagstaff railway station|Flagstaff]], and [[Southern Cross railway station|Southern Cross]] stations.<ref name=":4">[https://www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Fact-sheet-Melbourne-Metro-2-preparation.pdf Fact Sheet. Preparing for Melbourne Metro Two] infrastructurevictoria.com.au
{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404114111/https://www.infrastructurevictoria.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Fact-sheet-Melbourne-Metro-2-preparation.pdf |date=4 April 2023 }}</ref> Exiting the CBD, the line would continue in a tunnel stopping at a new station in the suburb of [[Fishermans Bend, Victoria|Fishermans Bend]], before crossing underneath the [[Yarra River]] and arriving at [[Newport railway station, Melbourne|Newport station]].<ref name=":4" /> The line would then exit the tunnel and travel further west to connect with the Werribee line bypassing the Altona Loop.<ref name=":4" /> The Werribee and Williamstown lines will be reconfigured to provide better and simpler service.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Daniel Andrews' secret Victorian rail plan – Network configuration stages – David Davis MP |url=https://daviddavis.com.au/daniel-andrews-secret-victorian-rail-plan-network-configuration-stages/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |language=en-AU |archive-date=2 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402091937/https://daviddavis.com.au/daniel-andrews-secret-victorian-rail-plan-network-configuration-stages/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This project was initially meant to be completed in the 2020s, however, no funding or planning has taken place, with the revised Victorian Rail Plan stating that the project would be completed under Stage 6 of the plan.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Secret rail blueprint for Melbourne revealed |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-melbourne-secret-rail-plans-daniel-andrews/7bf67384-26e6-4f05-b283-b314462d2ca0 |access-date=4 April 2023 |website=www.9news.com.au |date=16 October 2018 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404114109/https://www.9news.com.au/national/victoria-melbourne-secret-rail-plans-daniel-andrews/7bf67384-26e6-4f05-b283-b314462d2ca0 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As part of the Melbourne Metro 2, the Werribee and Williamstown lines would be reconfigured to provide simpler service. The Sandringham line would continue running to Williamstown with the line also travelling to and terminating at [[Laverton railway station, Melbourne|Laverton]] via the Altona Loop. Express services (not via the Altona Loop) would instead be served by trains exiting the Melbourne Metro 2 tunnel towards Werribee (and potentially Geelong).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Daniel Andrews' secret Victorian rail plan – Network configuration stages – David Davis MP |url=https://daviddavis.com.au/daniel-andrews-secret-victorian-rail-plan-network-configuration-stages/ |access-date=9 May 2023 |language=en-AU |archive-date=2 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402091937/https://daviddavis.com.au/daniel-andrews-secret-victorian-rail-plan-network-configuration-stages/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Geelong Fast Rail ===
{{Main|Western Rail Plan#Geelong Fast Rail}}

The [[Western Rail Plan]] is a plan that aims to improve the quality of rail services in Melbournes western suburbs through infrastructure upgrades on a range of metropolitan and regional lines.<ref name=":102"/> Geelong Fast Rail was one project identified in the Western Rail Plan as a matter of priority, as it would allow for Geelong and Warrnambool services to travel back via the Werribee line, cutting travel time and allowing electrification of other corridors to occur which are currently being served exclusively by V/Line trains.<ref name=":72">{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=3 October 2022 |title=Geelong Fast Rail |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-fast-rail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301042856/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/geelong-fast-rail |archive-date=1 March 2022 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref> Phase 1 of Geelong Fast Rail will consist of the following projects aimed at cutting travel times by 15 minutes:<ref name=":72" />

* New track between Werribee and Laverton dedicated to regional services
* Upgrades and widening of bridges over main roads, creeks, and rivers
* Upgraded stations at Werribee and [[Laverton railway station, Melbourne|Laverton]]
* Signalling and train control system upgrades

Construction on the project expected to get underway in 2023, with the [[Australian Government|Australian]] and [[Victoria State Government|Victorian governments]] committing $2 billion each to the project which is expected to create 2800 new jobs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=27 January 2021 |title=Faster rail services for Geelong on the way |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/geelong-fast-rail/faster-rail-services-for-geelong-on-the-way |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508083702/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/news/geelong-fast-rail/faster-rail-services-for-geelong-on-the-way |archive-date=8 May 2023 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>

== Network and operations ==
=== Services ===
Services on the Werribee line operates from approximately 5:00 am to around 12:00 am daily.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=22 August 2022 |title=More Melburnians could hop on a train or tram every 10 minutes under ambitious Greens proposal |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-23/melbourne-train-tram-services-victorian-greens-state-election/101357298 |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217181820/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-23/melbourne-train-tram-services-victorian-greens-state-election/101357298 |archive-date=17 December 2022}}</ref> In general, during peak hours, train frequency is 5–15 minutes (reduced frequencies on the Altona Loop) while services during non-peak hours drops to 20 minutes throughout the entire route.<ref name=":322"/> Instead of running through the [[City Loop]], services terminate at Flinders Street and then continue onto the [[Frankston railway line|Frankston line]], with boosted frequencies in combination with the [[Williamstown line]].<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025 |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Night Network operates on Friday nights and weekends, with services running 24 hours a day, with 60 minute frequencies available outside of normal operating hours.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Melbourne Weekend Night Network Train Map |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/Maps-and-Timetables-PDFs/Maps/Night-Network-maps/Night-Train-Map-SEPT-2021.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112114049/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/PTV-default-site/Maps-and-Timetables-PDFs/Maps/Night-Network-maps/Night-Train-Map-SEPT-2021.pdf |archive-date=12 January 2023 |access-date=18 December 2022}}</ref>

Train services on the Werribee line are also subjected to maintenance and renewal works, usually on selected Fridays and Saturdays. Shuttle bus services are provided throughout the duration of works for affected commuters.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 November 2016 |title=Where do train replacement buses come from? |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214224815/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/where-do-train-replacement-buses-come-from/8018532 |archive-date=14 December 2022}}</ref>

==== Stopping patterns ====
'''Legend — Station status'''
* ◼ [[Premium station|Premium Station]] – Station staffed from first to last train
* ◻ [[Host station|Host Station]] – Usually staffed during morning peak, however this can vary for different stations on the network.

'''Legend — Stopping patterns'''<br>Services do not operate via the City Loop
* ● – All trains stop
* ◐ – Some services do not stop - Weekend night network services do not stop at Southern Cross
* ▼ – Only outbound trains stop - All outbound services run via the Altona Loop
* | – Trains pass and do not stop

==== Guide<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=Werribee Line |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/timetable/16/werribee/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref> ====

===== Weekdays =====
- Services to Werribee stop at Southern Cross, North Melbourne, Footscray, Newport then all stations to Werribee via Altona

- Services from Werribee stop all stations to Laverton then stopping at Newport, Footscray, North Melbourne then Southern Cross and Flinders Street

- ''Services to Werribee stop at all stations via Altona'' (After 7pm only)

===== Weekends =====
- All Services to Werribee stop at all stations via Altona except with extra services originating from [[Southern Cross railway station|Southern Cross]] (During special events only)

- All Services from Werribee stop at all stations to Laverton then run express to Newport before stopping at all stations to Flinders Street

===== Night Network =====
- All Services to Werribee stop at all stations except Southern Cross via Altona

- All Services from Werribee stop at all stations to Laverton then run express to Newport before stopping at all stations to Flinders Street except Southern Cross
{| class="wikitable defaultcenter col1left"
! colspan="6" style="background:#{{rcr|Melbourne|Werribee}};" |<span style="color:white;">Werribee Services<ref>{{cite web |title=Werribee Line |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/timetable/16/werribee/ |website=Public Transport Victoria |access-date=4 May 2023 |archive-date=6 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230506130739/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/timetable/16/werribee/ |url-status=live }}</ref></span>
|-
!Station
!Zone
!Local
!Express
!Newport
!Shuttle
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Flinders Street}}|| rowspan="10" | 1 || ● 
|●
|●
| rowspan="8" |
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Southern Cross}}|| ◐ 
|●
|●
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|North Melbourne}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|South Kensington}}|| | ●
|I
|●
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Footscray}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Seddon}}|| | ●
|I
|●
|-
|◻ {{rwsa|Yarraville}}|| | ●
|I
|●
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Spotswood}}|| | ●
|I
|●
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Newport|m}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|●
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Seaholme}}||▼
|▼
| rowspan="8" |
|▼
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Altona}}|| rowspan="3" | 1/2 
|▼
|▼
|▼
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Westona}}
|▼
|▼
|▼
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Laverton|m}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|-
|{{htxt|◻}} {{rwsa|Aircraft}}|| rowspan="4" | 2 || ● 
|●
|●
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Williams Landing}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|-
|◻ {{rwsa|Hoppers Crossing}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|-
|◼ {{rwsa|Werribee}}|| ● 
|●
|●
|}

=== Operators ===
[[File:Altona estates train line.png|thumb|[[Victorian Railways]] operated part of the Altona branch for Altona Beach Estates between 1911 and 1924.]]
The Werribee line has had a total of 10 operators since its opening in 1857. Early in 1857, the [[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company]] (G&MR) opened the Werribee to [[Little River railway station|Little River]] section of the line they were building between Newport and Geelong. 2 years later in 1859, the government acquired the line and begun operations under the newly formed [[Victorian Railways]] (VR). The railway to Altona was constructed by the Altona Beach Estate Company, a private land developer, and opened on 9 November 1888 to a station named [[Altona railway station|Altona Beach]], which was about a kilometre to the east of the current station.<ref name="LHarrigan3"/> As a result of the [[History of Melbourne#1891 economic bust|collapse of the 1880s Land Boom]], regular services to Altona Beach ceased after August 1890, and the [[Victoria State Government|Victorian Government]] declined the offer of the owners to gift it the line. In 1917, the owners of the estate entered into an agreement with the [[Victorian Railways]] (VR) to provide a regular passenger service, having guaranteed to cover any operating losses.<ref name="guiney2"/> The majority of operations throughout its history have been government run: from its government acquisition in 1859 until the 1999 privatisation of Melbourne's rail network, four different government operators have run the line.<ref>"Melbourne's Rail Network to be Split" ''[[Railway Digest]]'' November 1997 page 12</ref> These operators, [[Victorian Railways]], the [[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|Metropolitan Transit Authority]], the [[Public Transport Corporation]], and Bayside Trains have a combined operational length of 140 years.

Bayside Trains was privatised in August 1999 and later rebranded [[M-Train|M>Train]]. In 2002, M>Train was placed into receivership and the state government regained ownership of the line, with [[KPMG]] appointed as receivers to operate M>Train on behalf of the state government.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html National Express walks out of Australian rail service] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160218/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2836793/National-Express-walks-out-of-Australian-rail-service.html|date=12 January 2018}} ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' (London) 17 December 2002</ref><ref>[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/23/1040511007915.html Receivers take over train, tram group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026135818/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/12/23/1040511007915.html|date=26 October 2012}} ''[[The Age]]'' 24 December 2002</ref><ref>[https://www.railexpress.com.au/victorian-passenger-services-get-new-managers/ Victorian passenger services get new managers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325102128/https://www.railexpress.com.au/victorian-passenger-services-get-new-managers/|date=25 March 2023}} ''Rail Express'' 28 January 2003</ref> Two years later, rival train operator [[Connex Melbourne]] took over the M>Train operations including the Williamstown line. [[Metro Trains Melbourne]], the current private operator, then took over the operations in 2009. The private operators have had a combined operational period of {{Age|1995|08|29}} years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Mex |date=25 June 2009 |title=New train, tram operators for Melbourne |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/new-train-tram-operators-for-melbourne-20090625-cxgx.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101122206/https://www.theage.com.au/national/new-train-tram-operators-for-melbourne-20090625-cxgx.html |archive-date=1 January 2023 |access-date=1 January 2023 |website=The Age}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Past and present operators of the Werribee line:
!Operator
!Assumed operations
!Ceased operations
!Length of operations
|-
|[[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company|Geelong and Melbourne Railway (G&MR)]]
|1857
|1860
|3 years
|-
|[[Victorian Railways]]
|1860
|1983
|123 years
|-
|Altona Beach Estates
|1888
|1890
|2 years
|-
|[[Victorian Railways]] for Altona Beach Estates
|1911
|1924
|13 years
|-
|[[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|Metropolitan Transit Authority]]
|1983
|1989
|6 years
|-
|[[Public Transport Corporation]]
|1989
|1998
|9 years
|-
|[[Bayside Trains]] (government operator)
|1998
|2000
|2 years
|-
|[[M-Train|M>Train]]
|2000
|2004
|4 years
|-
|[[Connex Melbourne]]
|2004
|2009
|5 years
|-
|[[Metro Trains Melbourne]]
|2009
|''incumbent''
|{{Age|2009|11|30}} years (ongoing)
|}

=== Route ===
{{For-text|information about the actual track|[[Warrnambool railway line]]}}
{{Werribee Line|float=right|collapse=yes}}{{maplink
|frame=yes
|frame-lat=-37.856
|frame-long=144.7834
|frame-width=570
|frame-height=300
|frame-align=right
|text=Interactive map of the Werribee line in western Melbourne, showing the Altona loop.
|zoom=11

|type=line
|id=Q7983583
|stroke-colour=#149943
|stroke-width=5
|title=Werribee line

}}{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Werribee (section) &<br>Altona (physical track)
| other_name                      = 
| color                           = 
| logo                            = 
| logo_width                      = 
| logo_alt                        = 
| image                           = 
| image_width                     = 
| image_alt                       = 
| caption                         = 
| type                            = 
| system                          = 
| status                          = Operational with passenger services from Flinders Street to Werribee
| locale                          = [[Melbourne]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]
| start                           = {{rwsa|Flinders Street}}
| end                             = {{rwsa|Werribee}}
| continuesfrom                   = 
| continuesas                     = [[Port Fairy railway line|Port Fairy line]]
| connectinglines                 = {{Plainlist|
* All metropolitan, regional, and interstate
* [[Newport–Sunshine railway line|Newport–Sunshine]]
}}
| formerconnections               = [[Maribyrnong line|Maribyrnong]]
| stations                        = {{ubl|17 current stations|13 former stations|3 sidings|6 former sidings}}
| routes                          = Werribee
| daily_ridership                 = 
| ridership2                      = 
| planopen                        = <!--{{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD|df=y}}-->
| open                            = {{Plainlist|
* Greenwich to Werribee on {{Start date|1857|6|25|df=y}}
* Southern Cross to Newport on {{Start date|1859|1|17|df=y}}
* Altona junction to Williamstown Racecourse on {{Start date|1885|4|6|df=y}}
* Racecourse junction to Altona Beach on {{Start date|1888|8|22|df=y}}
* Altona to Westona on {{Start date|1985|1|20|df=y}}
* Westona to Laverton on {{Start date|1985|4|11|df=y}}
}}
| yearcommenced                   = {{Start date|1857|6|25|df=y}}
| yearcompleted                   = {{Start date|1859|1|17|df=y}}
| close                           = {{Plainlist|
* Newport to Greenwich on {{End date|1857|7|18|df=y}}
* Racecourse junction to Altona Beach on {{End date|1890|8|14|df=y}}
* Racecourse junction to Williamstown Racecourse on {{End date|1950|5|22|df=y}}
}}
| event1label                     = Reopened
| event1                          = Racecourse junction to Altona on {{Start date|1917|12|1|df=y}}
| event2label                     = Electrified
| event2                          = {{Plainlist|
* Flinders Street to North Melbourne on {{Start date|1919|5|28|df=y}}
* North Melbourne to Williamstown Racecourse on {{Start date|1920|8|2|df=y}}
* Racecourse junction to Altona on {{Start date|1926|10|2|df=y}}
* Altona junction to Werribee on {{Start date|1983|11|27|df=y}}
* Altona to Westona on {{Start date|1985|1|20|df=y}}
* Westona to Laverton on {{Start date|1985|4|11|df=y}}
}}
| event3label                     = 
| event3                          = 
| owner                           = {{Plainlist|
* [[Geelong and Melbourne Railway Company|Geelong and Melbourne Railway (G&MR)]] (1857–1860)
* [[Victorian Railways|Victorian Railways (VR)]] (1860–1974)
* Altona Beach Estates (1888–1924)
* VR as VicRail (1974–1983)
* [[Metropolitan Transit Authority (Victoria)|MTA (The Met)]] (1983–1989)
* [[Public Transport Corporation|PTC (The Met)]] (1989–1997)
* [[VicTrack]] (1997–Current)
}}
| operator                        = 
| character                       = 
| depot                           = 
| stock                           = 
| linelength                      = {{Convert|32.9|km|abbr=on}} (via Altona)
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = {{Plainlist|
* Six tracks – Flinders Street to Footscray
* [[Double-track railway|Double track]]: Footscray to Werribee (direct)
* [[Single-track railway|Single track]]: Altona Junction to Laverton (via Altona)
}}
| gauge                           = {{Track gauge|1600 mm}}
| old_gauge                       = 
| load_gauge                      = 
| minradius                       = 
| maxincline                      = {{Incline|40}}
| electrification                 = 1500 [[Volt|V]] [[Direct current|DC]] [[Overhead line|overhead]]
| speed                           = {{ubl|{{Convert|115|km/h|abbr=on}} – Electric|{{Convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}} – Diesel}}
| signalling                      = [[Automatic block signalling]]
| elevation                       = 
| website                         = 
| map                             = 
| map_state                       = collapsed
| embedded                        = 
}}

The Werribee line forms a mostly straight route from the [[Melbourne central business district]] to its terminus in Werribee. The route is {{convert|32.9|km}} long and is fully doubled tracked from Flinders Street to its terminus, excluding during the Altona Loop. After changing from Frankston services at Flinders Street, the Werribee line traverses mainly flat country with few curves and fairly minimal [[Earthworks (engineering)|earthworks]] for most of the line. Few sections of the line has been elevated or lowered to remove level crossings. All remaining level crossings will be removed by 2030.<ref name=":6" />

The line follows the same alignment as the Williamstown line with the two services splitting onto different routes at Newport. The Werribee line continues on its south-western alignment, whereas the Williamstown line takes a southern alignment towards its final destination.<ref name=":82">{{Cite web |last=Wray |first=Tyson |title=Melbourne's train lines definitively ranked from best to worst |url=https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/blog/melbournes-train-lines-definitively-ranked-from-best-to-worst-011917 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212120710/https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/blog/melbournes-train-lines-definitively-ranked-from-best-to-worst-011917 |archive-date=12 December 2022 |access-date=12 December 2022 |website=Time Out Melbourne|date=19 January 2017 }}</ref> Most of the rail line goes through [[Urban agglomeration|built-up]] suburbs and heavy industrial areas with small pockets on non-urbanised spaces.<ref name=":82" />

=== Stations ===
The line serves 17 stations across {{convert|39.2|km}} of track. The stations are a mix of elevated, lowered, and ground level designs. The majority of elevated and lowered stations being constructed as part of level crossing removals.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lee |first=Robert S. |title=The railways of Victoria 1854–2004 |date=2007 |publisher=Melbourne University Publishing |others=Rosemary Annable, Donald S. Garden |isbn=978-0-522-85134-2 |location=Carlton, Vic. |oclc=224727085 }}</ref> From 2030, [[Spotswood railway station|Spotswood station]] will be elevated as part of additional level crossing removal works.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=24 February 2023 |title=Werribee Line level crossing removals |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/werribee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027233002/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/projects/werribee |archive-date=27 October 2022 |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Station
!Accessibility
!Opened
!Terrain
!Train connections
!Other connections
|-
|[[Flinders Street railway station|Flinders Street]]
| rowspan="3" |Yes—step free access
|1854<ref name=":1123">{{Cite web |title=What year did your railway station open? {{!}} Public Transport Users Association (Victoria, Australia) |date=3 August 2018 |url=https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209095505/https://www.ptua.org.au/2018/08/03/railway-stations-years-opened/ |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=9 December 2022}}</ref>
|Lowered
|{{Collapsible list
| title = 16 connections|
* {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Cranbourne line|Cranbourne railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Frankston line|Frankston railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Frankston}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Gippsland line|Gippsland V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Gippsland}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Sandringham line|Sandringham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sandringham}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}
}}
|{{Symbol|Melbourne tram logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}
|-
|[[Southern Cross railway station|Southern Cross]]
| rowspan="2" |1859<ref name=":1123"/>
| rowspan="16" |Ground level
|{{Collapsible list
| title = 27 connections|
* {{RouteBox|Alamein line|Alamein railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Alamein}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Albury line|Albury V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Albury}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Belgrave line|Belgrave railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Belgrave}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Cranbourne line|Cranbourne railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Cranbourne}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Gippsland line|Gippsland V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Gippsland}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Glen Waverley line|Glen Waverley railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Glen Waverley}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Hurstbridge line|Hurstbridge railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Hurstbridge}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Lilydale line|Lilydale railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Lilydale}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Mernda line|Mernda railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Mernda}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|NSW TrainLink Southern|Main Southern railway line|#{{rcr|NSW TrainLink|Southern}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Pakenham line|Pakenham railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Pakenham}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Seymour line|Seymour V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Seymour}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Shepparton line|Tocumwal railway line, Victoria#Shepparton services|#{{rcr|V/Line|Shepparton}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|The Overland|The Overland|#{{rcr|Journey Beyond|The Overland}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Warrnambool line|Warrnambool V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Warrnambool}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}
}}
|{{Symbol|Melbourne tram logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria coach logo.svg|30|Coaches|link=no}} {{Symbol|Melbourne skybus logo.svg|30|SkyBus|link=no}}
|-
|{{rwsa|North Melbourne}}
|{{Collapsible list
| title = 7 connections|
* {{RouteBox|Craigieburn line|Craigieburn railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Craigieburn}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Flemington Racecourse line|Flemington Racecourse railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Flemington Racecourse}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Seymour line|Seymour V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Seymour}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Shepparton line|Tocumwal railway line, Victoria#Shepparton services|#{{rcr|V/Line|Shepparton}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Upfield line|Upfield railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Upfield}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}
}}
|{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}
|-
|[[South Kensington railway station|South Kensington]]
|No—steep ramp
|1891<ref name=":1123"/>
|{{Collapsible list
| title = 1 connection|
* {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}
}}
|
|-
|{{rwsa|Footscray}}
|Yes—step free access
|1859<ref name=":1123"/>
|{{Collapsible list
| title = 10 connections|
* {{RouteBox|Ararat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ararat}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Ballarat line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Ballarat}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Bendigo line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Bendigo}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Echuca line|Deniliquin railway line|#{{rcr|V/Line|Echuca}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Geelong line|Geelong V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Geelong}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Maryborough line|Ballarat V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Maryborough}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Sunbury line|Sunbury railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Sunbury}}|black}}
* {{RouteBox|Swan Hill line|Bendigo V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Swan Hill}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Warrnambool line|Warrnambool V/Line rail service|#{{rcr|V/Line|Warrnambool}}|white}}
* {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}
}}
|{{Symbol|Melbourne tram logo.svg|30|Trams|link=no}} {{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}
|-
|[[Seddon railway station|Seddon]]
|No—steep ramp
|1906<ref name=":1123"/>
| rowspan="4" |{{Collapsible list
| title = 1 connection|
* {{RouteBox|Williamstown line|Williamstown railway line|#{{rcr|Melbourne|Williamstown}}|white}}
}}
|
|-
|[[Yarraville railway station|Yarraville]]
| rowspan="2" |Yes—step free access
|1871<ref name=":1123" />
|{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}
|-
|[[Spotswood railway station|Spotswood]]
|1878<ref name=":1123" />
|
|-
|[[Newport railway station, Melbourne|Newport]]
| rowspan="2" |No—steep ramp
|1859<ref name=":1123" />
| rowspan="9" |{{Symbol|Victoria bus logo.svg|30|Buses|link=no}}
|-
|[[Seaholme railway station|Seaholme]]
|1920<ref name=":1123" />
| rowspan="8" |
|-
|[[Altona railway station|Altona]]
| rowspan="6" |Yes—step free access
|1917<ref name=":1123" />
|-
|[[Westona railway station|Westona]]
|1985<ref name=":1123" />
|-
|[[Laverton railway station, Melbourne|Laverton]]
|1886<ref name=":1123" />
|-
|[[Aircraft railway station|Aircraft]]
|1925<ref name=":1123" />
|-
|[[Williams Landing railway station|Williams Landing]]
|2013<ref name=":1123" />
|-
|[[Hoppers Crossing railway station|Hoppers Crossing]]
|1970<ref name=":1123" />
|-
|[[Werribee railway station|Werribee]]
|No—steep ramp
|1857<ref name=":1123" />
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+ class="nowrap" | Station histories
!Station
!Opened<ref name="Anderson">{{Anderson-All Stations}}</ref>
!Closed<ref name="Anderson"/>
!Age
! scope=col class=unsortable | Notes<ref name="Anderson" />
|-
| {{rwsa|Flagstaff}} || {{TAC2|27 May 1985}} || 
* Not a stop since 2021
|-
| {{rwsa|Melbourne Central}} || {{TAC2|26 January 1981}} || 
* Formerly Museum
* Not a stop since 2021
|-
| {{rwsa|Parliament}} || {{TAC2|22 January 1983}} || 
* Not a stop since 2021
|-
| {{rwsa|Flinders Street}} || {{TAC2|12 September 1854}} || 
* Formerly Melbourne Terminus
|-
| {{rwsa|Southern Cross}} || {{TAC2|17 January 1859}} || 
* Formerly Batman's Hill
* Formerly Spencer Street
|-
| {{rwsa|North Melbourne}} || {{TAC2|6 October 1859}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|South Kensington}} || {{TAC2|11 March 1891}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Saltwater River}} || {{TAC2|1 October 1859|||1867||c}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Footscray}} || {{TAC2|24 September 1900}} || 
|-
| Footscray (Suburban) || {{TAC2|24 January 1859|||24 September 1900}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Seddon}} || {{TAC2|10 December 1906}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Yarraville}} || {{TAC2|20 November 1871}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Spotswood}} || {{TAC2|1 February 1878}} || 
* Formerly Edom
* Formerly Bayswater
* Formerly Spottiswoode
|-
| {{rwsa|Newport|m}} || {{TAC2|1 March 1859}} || 
* Formerly Geelong Junction
* Formerly Williamstown Junction
|-
| {{rwsa|Greenwich|m}} || {{TAC2|25 June 1857|||28 July 1857}} || 
|-
| Garden Platform (Newport Workshops) || ? || ? ||  || 
|-
| Freezing Works Siding || {{TAC2|27 April 1883|||1993}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Williamstown Racecourse}} (1st) || {{TAC2|26 December 1860|||April 1885||c}} || 
* 1st site
|-
| Metro Infrastructure Works Siding || {{TAC2|2 June 1955}} || 
* Formerly Vacuum Oil Siding
* Formerly {{Abbr|PRA|Petroleum Refineries of Australia}} Siding
* Formerly Mobil Siding
|-
| {{Abbr|SEC|State Electricity Commission}} Siding || {{TAC2|9 November 1952|||14 September 1993}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Hatherley|m}} || {{TAC2|2 March 1891|||5 April 1897}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Mobiltown}} || {{TAC2|24 November 1953|||21 January 1985}} || 
* Formerly Standard Oil Platform
|-
| {{rwsa|Paisley|m}} || {{TAC2|14 October 1929|||14 April 1985}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Williamstown Racecourse}} (2nd) || {{TAC2|6 April 1885|||10 February 1940}} || 
* 2nd site
|-
| Australian Carbon Black Siding || {{TAC2|1 December 1964|||19 August 1990}} || 
|-
| BP Sidings || {{TAC2|30 May 1922||c|July 1996}} || 
* Formerly Oil Refineries Sidings
* Formerly {{Abbr|COR|Commonwealth Oil Refineries}} Sidings
|-
| BP Platform || {{TAC2|10 May 1927|||October 1959}} || 
* Formerly {{Abbr|COR|Commonwealth Oil Refineries}} Platform
|-
| {{rwsa|Seaholme}} || {{TAC2|26 January 1920}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Altona}} || {{TAC2|1 December 1917}} || 
* Formerly Altona Beach (2nd)
|-
| Altona Beach (1st) || {{TAC2|22 August 1888|||14 August 1890}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Galvin}} || {{TAC2|22 August 1927|||14 April 1985}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Westona}} || {{TAC2|25 January 1985}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Laverton|m}} || {{TAC2|1 July 1886}} || 
|-
| rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|Aircraft}} || {{TAC2|8 March 1926|||May 1932}} || 
* 1st site
* Was originally Aviation Siding
* Later Aircraft Siding
|-
| {{TAC2|10 May 1932}} || 
* 2nd site
* Formerly Aircraft Siding
|-
| {{rwsa|Williams Landing}} || {{TAC2|28 April 2013}} || 
|-
| rowspan="2" | {{rwsa|Hoppers Crossing}} || {{TAC2|16 November 1970|||8 July 1983}} || 
* 1st site
|-
| {{TAC2|9 July 1983}} || 
* 2nd site
|-
| {{rwsa|Werribee}} || {{TAC2|25 June 1857}} || 
|-
| {{rwsa|Werribee Racecourse}} || {{TAC2|1884|||1995}} || 
|}

== Infrastructure ==

=== Rolling stock ===
{{Main|X'Trapolis 100|Siemens Nexas|Comeng (train)|l3 = Comeng}}

[[File:Metro Trains Melbourne Siemens at Spotswood.jpg|left|thumb|[[Siemens Nexas]] EMUs are one type of rolling stock featured on the line.]]
The Werribee line uses three different types of [[electric multiple unit]] (EMU) trains that are operated in a split six-car configuration, with three doors per side on each carriage. The primary rolling stock featured on the line is the [[Comeng (train)|Comeng]] EMUs, built by [[Commonwealth Engineering]] between 1981 and 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=archive.ph |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/commuters-take-pole-position/story-fna7dq6e-1111119116347 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908211425/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/commuters-take-pole-position/story-fna7dq6e-1111119116347 |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=archive.ph}}</ref> These train sets are the oldest on the Melbourne rail network and subsequently will be replaced by the mid 2030s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=18 May 2021 |title=Ballarat plant bags $1b contract for 25 new Melbourne trains |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ballarat-plant-bags-1b-contract-for-25-new-melbourne-trains-20210518-p57svs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206070132/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ballarat-plant-bags-1b-contract-for-25-new-melbourne-trains-20210518-p57svs.html |archive-date=6 February 2023 |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> [[Siemens Nexas]] EMUs are also widely featured on the line, originally built between 2002 and 2005 these train sets feature more modern technology than the Comeng trains.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2005 |title=Siemens AG – Siemens Transportation Systems wins major contract in Australia |url=http://www.siemens.com/page/1,3771,226112-1-18_0_0-0,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122043434/http://www.siemens.com/page/1,3771,226112-1-18_0_0-0,00.html |archive-date=22 November 2005 |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> The final type of rolling stock featured on the line is the [[X'Trapolis 100]] built by [[Alstom]] between 2002 and 2004, and 2009 and 2020.<ref name=":182"/> All of these rolling stock models are widely used on other lines across the metropolitan network and work as the backbone of the network.

Alongside the passenger trains, Werribee line tracks and equipment are maintained by a fleet of engineering trains. The four types of engineering trains are: the shunting train; designed for moving trains along non-electrified corridors and for transporting other maintenance locomotives, for track evaluation; designed for evaluating track and its condition, the overhead inspection train; designed for overhead wiring inspection, and the infrastructure evaluation carriage designed for general infrastructure evaluation.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |date=1 February 2011 |title=NETWORK SERVICE PLAN {{!}} Addenda |url=https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307165249/https://www.vline.com.au/pdf/networkaccess/networkserviceplan/addenda.pdf/addenda |archive-date=7 March 2011}}</ref> Most of these trains are repurposed locomotives previously used by [[V/Line]], Metro Trains, and the [[Southern Shorthaul Railroad]].<ref name=":17" />

==== Planned rolling stock ====
Contrary to popular belief, the next generation of the X'Trapolis family of electric EMUs, the X'Trapolis 2.0, won't be introduced on the Werribee line. By the time the new trains entered service, the Werribee line will be through routed to the [[Sandringham line]].

=== Accessibility ===
[[File:Footscray station signal box and footbridge.jpg|alt=An old station with a new footbridge|thumb|[[Footscray railway station|Footscray station]] is classed as fully wheelchair accessible due to the elevators provided in the [[Footbridge|foot bridge]].]]
In compliance with the [[Disability Discrimination Act 1992|Disability Discrimination Act of 1992]], all stations that are new-built or rebuilt are fully accessible and comply with these guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accessibility – Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria |url=https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084345/https://www.ptovic.com.au/improving-pt/accessibility |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=www.ptovic.com.au}}</ref> The majority of stations on the corridor are fully accessible, however, there are some stations that haven't been upgraded to meet these guidelines.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Station accessibility features |url=https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208020143/https://www.metrotrains.com.au/station-accessibility-features/ |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Metro Trains Melbourne}}</ref> These stations do feature ramps, however, they have a gradient greater than 1 in 14.<ref name=":12" /> Stations that are fully accessible feature ramps that have a gradient less than 1 in 14, have at-grade paths, or feature lifts.<ref name=":12" /> These stations typically also feature [[Tactile paving|tactile boarding indicators]], independent boarding ramps, wheelchair accessible [[myki]] barriers, [[Audio induction loop|hearing loops]], and widened paths.<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=n.d. |title=Accessing public transport |url=https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206144538/https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/community/health-support-services/accessing-melbourne/Pages/public-transport.aspx |archive-date=6 December 2022 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=City of Melbourne}}</ref>

Projects improving station accessibility have included the Level Crossing Removal Project, which involves station rebuilds and upgrades and other individual station upgrade projects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 2022 |title=Left behind: the fight for accessible public transport in Victoria |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/13/left-behind-the-fight-for-accessible-public-transport-in-victoria |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084335/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jun/13/left-behind-the-fight-for-accessible-public-transport-in-victoria |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=the Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria’s Big Build |date=17 October 2022 |title=Urban design framework |url=https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/about/urban-design-framework |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103084334/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/level-crossing-removal-project/about/urban-design-framework |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Victoria’s Big Build}}</ref> These works have made significant strides in improving network accessibility, with more than 76% of Werribee line stations classed as fully accessible. This number is expected to grow within the coming years with the completion of level crossing removal works on the corridor by 2029.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025 |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref>

=== Signalling ===
The Werribee line uses three-position signalling which is widely used across the Melbourne train network.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A walk around Gunning |url=http://vrhistory.com/walks/Gunning/Gunning.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815134339/http://vrhistory.com/walks/Gunning/Gunning.htm |archive-date=15 August 2022 |access-date=7 February 2023 |website=vrhistory.com}}</ref> Three-position signalling was first introduced in 1927, with the final section of the line converted to the new type of signalling in 1946.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Code 3-Position Speed Signalling |url=http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf%20files/ARTC/ASig%20descr.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207082457/http://www.sa-trackandsignal.net/Pdf%20files/ARTC/ASig%20descr.pdf |archive-date=7 February 2023 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref> Past Werribee, three-position signalling continues further past [[Geelong railway station|Geelong]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/route/16/werribee/ Werribee line timetable]
* [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/maps/#networkmaps Network map]
* {{commons category-inline|Werribee railway line}}
{{Victorian Railway Lines|selected=melbourne}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Werribee Railway Line}}
[[Category:Railway lines in Melbourne]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1859]]
[[Category:1859 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Werribee]]
[[Category:Public transport routes in the City of Melbourne (LGA)]]
[[Category:Transport in the City of Wyndham]]
[[Category:Transport in the City of Maribyrnong]]
[[Category:1500 V DC railway electrification]]