The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East, Gemma Rendell, has committed to a “six carriage guarantee” for trains on the Bairnsdale line – to be delivered in the first term of Government.
“At present we have a number of our services with only three carriages and this has many services overcrowded with people either having to stand for long distances, or sit in the aisles or on luggage,” she said.
“We will provide the carriages in our first term to ensure every train has a minimum of six carriages.
“We will also review why, so many services coming out of Traralgon and already overloaded, the Bairnsdale train continues to stop at every station between Traralgon and Melbourne. It should be express from Traralgon with maybe one stop at Warragul,” Ms Rendell said.
“It is simply not acceptable that people can board a train in Bairnsdale and be forced to stand for a journey that can take more than four hours. I know our current MP, Tim Bull, has already raised this on multiple occasions in Parliament,” Ms Rendell said.
“We are committed to boosting capacity on the Gippsland Line by adding five new three-carriage VLocity train sets to existing services, delivering an additional 1,100 seats.
“This investment will mean longer trains, more available seating, and a more comfortable journey for passengers travelling from Bairnsdale.”
Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said his office had received numerous complaints from rail users who had been unable to find a seat, including on particularly busy holiday and event weekends.
“Common sense tells you that standing for four hours on a moving train is not a reasonable expectation, especially when many people use the train to attend medical appointments.” Mr Bull said.
“It was disappointing that the Minister responded to my correspondence stating it was acceptable for passengers to stand for the entire journey from Bairnsdale to Melbourne. They just don’t get it.”
Ms Rendell said regional rail users deserve a service that is safe, comfortable and fit for purpose.
“What Labor won’t do – The Liberals and Nationals will commit to.
“Guaranteeing six-carriage trains would provide the extra capacity needed and ensure passengers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Caption: The Nationals’ candidate for Gippsland East with Tim Bull MP at the Bairnsdale Station pledging an elected Liberals and Nationals’ Government would deliver six-carriage rail services within its first term.
