Regional passengers left in the dark at unstaffed stations

Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland MP has questioned the Minister for Public and Active Transport on the ongoing lack of basic passenger information, staffing and accessibility at regional train stations across the Euroa electorate.

Ms Cleeland asked why regional stations continue to miss out on the real-time automated timetable updates that metropolitan passengers rely on every day, leaving regional travellers without clear or timely information during delays, cancellations and disruptions.

“Passengers in Seymour, Euroa, Benalla, Kilmore and Broadford deserve the same access to real-time service information as those in Melbourne,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Too often, regional passengers are left waiting on cold platforms with no updates, no staff on site and no certainty about when — or if — their train will arrive.”

In her question to Parliament, Ms Cleeland pressed the Minister on when real-time service information, accessible ticketing options and out-of-hours staffing will finally be rolled out at regional stations serving communities in the Euroa electorate.

Ms Cleeland also raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of elderly and disabled passengers, particularly when stations are unstaffed and services are disrupted.

“For many older residents and people with disability, an unstaffed station is not just inconvenient – it can be intimidating and unsafe,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Passengers need to know what protections are in place and how they will be supported when things go wrong.”

Ms Cleeland said reliable, accessible and well-staffed regional rail services were essential for communities that rely on public transport for work, medical appointments and connecting with family.

“Regional Victorians should not be treated as second-class passengers,” Ms Cleeland said.

“I will continue to advocate for fair treatment, improved safety and proper investment in regional stations so everyone can travel with confidence and dignity.”