Today, with the VLocity diesel multiple units having entered service, the N class play a lesser role, their main use being peak hour commuter services and long-distance services beyond the Regional Fast Rail network to Bairnsdale, Swan Hill and Warrnambool on the broad gauge and Albury on the standard gauge. The class are authorised to operate at , but some units have been upgraded with D77/78 traction motors and have a maximum speed of . As of 1 June 2020, all engines had been fitted with the upgraded traction motors.