Warrnambool passengers are on slow, unreliable trains under the Andrews Government and it’s only getting worse.
VLine figures show the Warrnambool line has continued its poor performance with just 81.9 per cent of services running on time last month, falling far short of the target of 92 per cent.
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell said unreliable and late train services were making it harder for people right across the south-west region to get to medical appointments and see family and friends.
“A late train doesn’t just impact people getting off the train in Warrnambool. It has flow on impacts to those using connecting coach services through to Port Fairy, Portland, Heywood and Hamilton,” Mrs Britnell said.
“A late train can often mean an extra late night for those passengers going on further than Warrnambool. “It can also mean missed appointments in Melbourne. Many people now spend extra money to book accommodation and stay in the city the night before because you can’t rely on the timetable.
“Warrnambool line passengers are on slow, unreliable trains under the Andrews Government and it’s only getting worse.”
Across all regional lines, just 84.4 per cent of services ran on time in March. VLine figures also show that over the past five years, just 86.2 per cent of services made it to their destination on time, leaving commuters on nearly 57,000 services running late.
VLine also failed to meet the 96 per cent reliability target in March, with 95.2 per cent of services delivered. Shadow Minister for Regional Public Transport Steph Ryan said while the Andrews Government poured billions into Melbourne metro projects, it refused to commit to desperately-needed regional rail upgrades.
“The Andrews Government has abandoned regional passengers leaving us with unreliable, slow and uncomfortable trains,” Ms Ryan said . “Better rail connections between regional communities would transform regional Victoria making it possible to live in one town and work in another but that won’t happen while Labor treats us as second class citizens.”
