Ms Cleeland said the failed promises only add to ongoing issues for regional commuters, blaming the state government’s handling of Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline for the delays and resulting cost blowouts.
“We’ve seen strikes, bus replacements, extended delays and infrequent and overcrowded services as some of the many issues my community has faced while commuting on our regional train network,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Since fares were reduced, we have seen significantly increased traffic across our regional network — resulting in crowded and uncomfortable services on our trains and coaches.
“We have just three trains a day from Albury to Melbourne — this is completely unacceptable with our region’s population.”
“The north-east is one of the most under-serviced railway lines in the state and the recent claims of regional travellers’ satisfaction have left a gap between perception and reality.”
A spokesperson from the Victorian Government responded, saying that the first two stages of the Shepparton line upgrade have been completed, with stage three currently under way.
The spokesperson said an extension of the Murchison East passing loop, increased capacity at the Shepparton stabling facility and a 26km section of track upgrades had been completed as part of stage three, with more upgrades and a new rail signalling system still in the works.
“Passengers in the Goulburn Valley are already enjoying the benefits of the first two stages of the Shepparton Line Upgrade, including more frequent services on modern and accessible VLocity trains,” the Victorian Government spokesperson said.
“We’re working hard to complete the massive third stage of the Shepparton Line Upgrade as fast as we can so that passengers on the Shepparton line can enjoy safer, more reliable and frequent services.”
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