The recent relaunch of Great Southern Railway's Overland train service between Adelaide and Melbourne has exceeded all expectations with record passenger numbers in all classes.

The inaugural daylight service from Adelaide commenced on 7 May, 2000. Passenger numbers in First Class from both Adelaide and Melbourne have increased by more than 100 per cent on figures for May last year.

In Coach Class the Adelaide to Melbourne route showed an increase of 41%, with the Melbourne to Adelaide route up 19%. Bookings for June are also expected to exceed expectations in both classes.

Great Southern Railway Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Bradford, attributed the success of The Overland to the new service initiatives implemented to win passengers back to rail travel.

Recent track upgrades and the announcement of assistance from the Victorian and South Australian governments paved the way for the daylight service and all participants in the inauguration of the service are delighted with the outcome.

"The new lower fares introduced have proved extremely popular, particularly the $99 First Class fare to Melbourne," Mr Bradford said.

"The daylight service has appealed to the tourist and the groups market as it enables them to enjoy the scenery while socialising on board the train. We have also had an excellent response to the new 'champagne welcome' reception and two course lunch introduced for First Class guests."

The addition of a dedicated lounge car for our Coach Class guests has provided even more room for dining, relaxing and socialising.

"We expected travellers between the two destinations to take advantage of the new schedule and lower fares but the response has been well ahead of expectation," he said.

The Overland departs Keswick Station in Adelaide at 9:00am (CST) Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday passing through Murray Bridge, Border Town, Dimboola, Horsham, Ararat and North Shore (Geelong) arriving in Melbourne at 7:45pm (EST). The return evening journey leaves Spencer Street Station at 9:30pm (EST) arriving in Adelaide at 7:40am (CST).

For bookings contact Great Southern Railway on 13 21 47 or visit their booking offices located at Spencer Street Station in Melbourne and Keswick Terminal in Adelaide.