Too costly to get trains back on track between Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo, study shows Reinstating the train line between Geelong and Castlemaine would cost $550-$715 million. THE COST of reviving passenger trains between Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo significantly outweighs the benefits, a report has found. Public Transport Victoria's $2 million Rail Revival Study investigated what was needed to return V/Line trains on the 224km of track between the state's second, third and fourth-largest cities, which have a population of more than 400,000 people. The study, a pre-election promise by the Coalition and obtained by the Herald Sun using Freedom of Information laws, assessed track and station conditions, patronage predictions and potential timetables. Trains between the three cities ended in the late 1970s. The study looked at a train line from Geelong to Ballarat and Bendigo, via Maryborough and Castlemaine. PTV estimated the benefit cost ratio was 10c to 20c for every dollar invested and was unlikely to secure funding over other projects. "In the interim, opportunities to upgrade coach services should be explored," the study said. It also found: REINSTATING the line between Geelong and Castlemaine would cost $550-$715 million, while Castlemaine to Bendigo, including track duplication, would cost $210-$220 million. THE entire line would cost up to $935 million to construct and up $17 million a year to run; UP to 2000 people a day would use the service by 2016; a number expected to increase to 2800 by 2031. Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder acknowledged the high costs of returning passenger trains to the entire route, but said the State Government would consider the report's findings. "Providing trains may become viable in future years, while PTV will consider the introduction in time of additional V/Line coaches so that most passengers travelling between Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo do not have to travel via Melbourne," Mr Mulder said. Public Transport Users Association Geelong spokesman Paul Westcott said revitalising the entire line was "pie in the sky" and a Geelong to Ballarat line would be most viable.