Regional train passengers left frustrated after Long Weekend chaos

The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, is still calling on the Allan Labor Government to make improvements to local train services – with overcrowding, missed stops, and booking difficulties continuing to frustrate local passengers.

Issues on trains between Albury and Melbourne escalated over the recent Easter Weekend – with trains booked out weeks in advance, leaving several passengers to sit on the floor on services.

Ms Cleeland recently wrote to the Minister for Public and Active Transport, calling for an urgent investigation into the ongoing and unacceptable issues plaguing the region in recent months.

Passengers across the region have reported a series of failures that have severely impacted their ability to access reliable public transport, including:

• Trains failing to stop and pick up passengers, leaving travellers stranded.
• Frequent and last-minute service cancellations.
• Overcrowded trains with no available seating, forcing passengers—some of whom are elderly or have disabilities—to stand for the duration of their journey.
• Reserved seating not being honoured, creating confusion and distress for passengers.

“These failures are not only causing significant inconvenience but are also undermining confidence in regional public transport, disproportionately affecting those who rely on it for work, medical appointments, and essential travel,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Given the North East line’s historical issues and the promises made regarding service improvements, this situation is unacceptable.

“I have urged the Minister to immediately investigate these ongoing disruptions and provide a clear plan to ensure reliable, safe, and dignified travel for passengers on the North East line.”

Ms Cleeland said she continued to receive regular correspondence from frustrated commuters within her community.

“Every day, I hear complaints from passengers who can’t reserve a seat and are left standing or even sitting on the floor for long journeys,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Trains are often sold out well in advance, and too often, passengers are forced to rely on crowded replacement buses—if they’re lucky enough to get a seat at all.

“Now these issues have grown to include trains missing their stop and regular cancellations.

“I look forward to hearing back from the Minister and the concerns of our community being taken seriously.”