The changes to the V/Line timetable have produced mixed outcomes for East Gippsland, according to The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell.
“Unfortunately, as had been rumoured, the 1pm train from Bairnsdale will terminate at Flinders Street rather than continue to Southern Cross, while two of the five daily return services will now depart from Flinders Street,” Ms Rendell said.
“That is not ideal for passengers wanting a direct connection to the SkyBus, attending events around Southern Cross or connecting with other regional and interstate services.
“For people already facing a long journey from East Gippsland, particularly older passengers, families or those travelling with luggage, this creates an unnecessary inconvenience.
“Southern Cross Station is the primary transport hub for regional Victorians for all the appropriate travel linkages.”
Ms Rendell said current Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, would be seeking a briefing from V/Line and the Minister on why the changes had been made and the prospect of having them reversed.
“East Gippsland passengers spend many hours travelling so every opportunity should be taken to reduce journey times.
“The good news is the introduction of an additional morning coach service, departing Bairnsdale at 8.28am, arriving in Traralgon at 10.18am and connecting with the 10.33am train to Melbourne.
“Tim has raised the need for this service in Parliament on numerous occasions and written to Ministers over a long period, including twice this year, so it is pleasing to finally see that advocacy produce a result.”
Ms Rendell said she would also be pushing for the three daily train services departing Bairnsdale to run express from Traralgon to Melbourne.
“With around 25 services already departing Traralgon at regular intervals and stopping at all stations, there is a strong case for East Gippsland services to run express beyond Traralgon, reducing travel times for local passengers.”
Caption: Local State MP, Tim Bull, and The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, will be seeking answers as to why some V/Line services will now terminate and originate at Flinders Street Station rather than Southern Cross.
