The Andrews Government repeating its V/Line fares policy won’t distract Victorians from the deep-seated issues within the regional rail network.
V/Line services right across the state continue to face massive disruptions and delays, and passengers are abandoning their trips due to overcrowded carriages and significant delays.
Those fortunate enough to get a seat on V/Line trains, particularly on longer journeys to the South-West Coast, Gippsland and to the border, are still faced with cancelled food services and poor bathroom facilities.
The Andrews Government’s failure to prioritise important rail connections in regional Victoria is clear, with recent revelations that Geelong Fast Rail will be shelved indefinitely due budget incompetence.
Instead of re-hashing old announcements, it’s about time Daniel Andrews gets to work on fixing the real problems within the V/Line network.
Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Richard Riordan, said regional Victorians wouldn’t be fooled by Daniel Andrews’ PR and spin.
“What regional Victorians save on public transport fares doesn’t make up for the record cancellations, unprecedented bus replacements and poor facilities on the V/Line network,” Mr Riordan said.
“What is the use of having a cheap ticket when you can’t even get a seat? These issues need to be fixed, not ignored.
“Regional Victorians deserve proper investment in regional rail infrastructure and rolling stock. Not cuts, cancellations and more delays.”
