Additional weekend V/Line services recently introduced for the Albury train line will be permanent additions to the schedule after new timetable changes were announced for much of regional Victoria.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, who has been an advocate for more frequent train services in the region, said more must still be done to ensure passengers could travel comfortably.
“While it is pleasing to see that this government has taken notice of our community and made these weekend trips permanent, the simple fact is that we still need more frequent services,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While reserved-only services and the odd weekend trip have been introduced, my office continues to deal with complaints from passengers who are unable to reserve a seat and are being told to stand or sit on the floor for long journeys.”
In response to questions put forward to the Minister for Public and Active Transport by Ms Cleeland, it was revealed that 40,000 trips on the North East line were taken in March of this year, compared to 26,000 in the same month last year.
“Despite there being nearly twice as many passengers on our V/Line services in recent times, this government has failed to effectively ensure that locals can travel comfortably,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This simply cannot continue as it is.”
The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, whose electorate is also covered by the Albury train line, said increased demand was impacting the ability for locals to use the train.
“With demand expected to keep rising, our trains are getting less and less accessible for local passengers,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Due to a lack of other public transport options in our towns, these trains are crucial for those needing to attend medical appointments and other essential services.”
Information on the new train timetables is set to be made available from Friday, November 1.
