The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has called on the Allan Labor Government to boost commuter capacity for trains along the Gippsland line.
As free travel is rolled out for the month of April, Latrobe Valley residents have voiced concerns existing V/Line services are not equipped to cater for the inevitable increase in passenger numbers.
Under current timetabling, many services along the Gippsland line are restricted to just three carriages.
“I’ve been inundated with reports from people who have been forced to stand for the duration of their journey to Melbourne, or been unable to board altogether, because the train is completely full,” Mr Cameron said.
“Crowded public transport in the city may be fine for a short hop, but it is certainly not acceptable for a four-hour V/Line journey.
“Given school holidays begin this week, and the lure of free travel, it’s safe to assume the demand for seats on trains will far outweigh their capacity.
“How can free travel be promoted if passengers are forced to stand for four hours? It’s uncomfortable, unsafe, and shows zero regard for regional travellers.
“If this initiative is to have a meaningful impact in the regions, where the fuel crisis is being felt most, the Allan Labor Government should boost the number of carriages on V/Line services.”
