Dear Editor,
Numerous articles have been published in this newspaper regarding the Melbourne to Warrnambool V-Line service, which is the worst serviced V-Line service in Victoria.
At present there are just three services per day that Warrnambool and Colac public transport users can use to access services in Geelong and Melbourne — one in the morning, one at lunchtime and one late in the afternoon.
Patronage over the last three years has substantially increased on the Warrnambool line; however the Government has done nothing at all to increase services.
The Minister for Transport and local Member for Polwarth, Terry Mulder must be aware of the importance of viable transport options for regional Victorians so that they can access education and health services.
In Parliament this week I called on Minister Mulder to inform Polwarth residents on what the Government’s plans are to alleviate the overcrowding on the Warrnambool line and what plans it has to increase services.
After making this request, the Minister on duty in the Parliament, Planning Minister Matthew Guy stated that the services are the same level of frequency three years ago when the previous Government was in office.
He simply did not listen to the fact that there has been a significant increase in passengers since that time.
Minister Guy’s remark was an attempt to deflect the issue, however in reality his response demonstrated that he, like the other Napthine Government Ministers, are simply not listening to anyone who tries to point out that the train service is stretched beyond capacity.
It is now at the point where commuters need to book a week in advance to ensure a seat on the train.
This is unacceptable.
Gayle Tierney MP
Member for Western Victoria