 Moves towards privatisation begun in 1997, with V / Line split into V / Line Passenger and V / Line Freight by Bayside Trains and Hillside Trains being separated from the Public Transport Corporation in 1998. V / Line Freight was sold to Rail America, known as Freight Victoria in 1999, followed by National Express taking over Bayside Trains and V / Line Passenger in 2000, with Connex Melbourne taking over Hillside Trains.
