No extra trains for holiday rush leaves Albury line passengers stranded

The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, has criticised the Allan Labor Government for failing to provide any additional train services on the Albury line during the busy summer holiday period, despite predictable spikes in passenger numbers over Christmas and the school holidays.

Ms Cleeland raised the issue in Parliament, asking the Minister for Public and Active Transport whether extra services would be scheduled to manage peak holiday demand.

“The lack of an answer spoke volumes,” Ms Cleeland said.

“There will be no additional services, even though passengers are already dealing with overcrowded carriages, standing-room-only journeys and being left behind on platforms.”

The Albury line services communities across the Euroa electorate and is a vital transport link for families travelling over the holidays, students returning home, workers, and visitors heading to regional Victoria.

“This line is stretched on an ordinary weekday,” Ms Cleeland said.

“To do nothing during the busiest travel period of the year shows a real disconnect from the experience of regional passengers.”

Ms Cleeland said holiday travel should be supported, not made more difficult.

“People are choosing public transport in good faith, yet the system is failing to meet demand,” she said.

“Regional passengers deserve proper planning, adequate capacity and a service they can rely on.”

Ms Cleeland said she will continue pressing the Minister to address overcrowding on the Albury line and deliver fair treatment for regional rail users.