The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, is expecting the new V/Line timetable to deliver an additional morning service from Bairnsdale, and maintain the train connection through to Southern Cross, as rumours have been circulating of plans to terminate some services at Flinders Street.
Ms Rendell said the priority was the introduction of an additional mid-morning coach service from Bairnsdale to connect with trains at Traralgon.
“At the moment there is a huge gap between the 6.20am coach departure from Bairnsdale and the next service which leaves at 1pm. The current timetable does not provide the flexibility people need,” Ms Rendell said.
“Whether it is for medical appointments, business meetings, education or simply travelling to Melbourne, there should be another Bairnsdale connection arriving in the city in the middle of the morning.”
Ms Rendell said current Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, had repeatedly raised the need for this additional service in State Parliament, and the case for it had only grown stronger.
“The current timetable leaves passengers with an unacceptable almost seven-hour gap between trains,” she said.
The second matter we wait to see is that every Bairnsdale train continues through to Southern Cross Station, rather than terminating at Flinders Street.
“Passengers should not be forced to change trains for the final few minutes of their journey when Southern Cross is where so many people actually need to be. It will be a major inconvenience, particularly for seniors,” Ms Rendell said.
“Southern Cross is the gateway to Melbourne’s regional and interstate transport network. It is where passengers connect with the SkyBus to Melbourne Airport, V/Line coach services and many major events held in the Docklands and Southern Cross precinct.
“Having to change trains at Flinders Street would make travel more difficult for many passengers, especially older people, families carrying luggage, and those with mobility challenges. Unfortunately, rumours that this will occur are widespread and are causing genuine concern in the community.
“An additional mid-morning connection from Bairnsdale and ensuring all services continue to Southern Cross would significantly improve public transport for East Gippsland residents at little cost and with considerable benefit.”
