West Coast Railway (Victoria)

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The West Coast Railway (WCR) was a former railway company operating in Victoria, Australia. The railway operated between Melbourne and Warrnambool and provided passenger services.

[edit] History

Steam-hauled West Coast Railway service at Warrnambool station, 2001
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Steam-hauled West Coast Railway service at Warrnambool station, 2001

The company was formed in 1993, when the Victorian Government offered long-distance country rail services to private operators. While several rail services were replaced by road coaches, West Coast Railway successfully tendered to maintain the South-West region's rail service, thus giving new life to a region serviced by rail for over 100 years.

The company operated a fleet notable for being largely comprised of 1950s-era locomotives and rolling stock formerly owned by V/Line, including early streamlined diesel-electric locomotives and even specially modified steam locomotives. The WCR fleet was painted in a distinctive blue, white and yellow livery.

In September 2004, West Coast Rail handed back the contract to the Government with V/Line resuming control of passenger services to Warrnambool.

[edit] New Zealand investment

In 2001, the two directors of the company brought a 50% share in Tranz Scenic, the national passenger operator in New Zealand. However, the investment was not successful, and the share was sold in 2003.

[edit] See also