General News
1 November, 2024
New trains, less seats
MEMBER for Polwarth Richard Riordan has expressed his concerns over the reduction in available seats for passengers on the new V/Locity trains.
Mr Riordan has this week called on the state government to address how it “plans to properly service public transport users” when the new trains start on the Warrnambool line.
“What is the government going to do to manage the massive cuts to seats and foods services on the Warrnambool line once these V/Locity trains start rolling out?” he asked the Minister for Public Transport.
According to Mr Riordan, the new trains (set to replace the old diesel loco trains) will have 875 fewer seats per day, or a massive 6125 fewer seats over the week, and will offer no food or beverages for those on one of the state’s longest train journeys.
The Warrnambool train service is well utilised by western Victorians and halving the number of available seats will leave patrons inconvenienced.
“Many elderly, young and disadvantaged travellers will be forced to stand for hours on the journey to and from Melbourne and Warrnambool,” Mr Riordan said.
“After more than 100 years of this train service, to halve the seating capacity and to operate without the provision of food or drink makes no sense; this is poor transport planning.
“In this day and age of working from home and telecommuting, not being able to guarantee a seat and allow people to work on the train is a giant backward step.”
Mr Riordan also believes that not being able to access food and drink may put people’s health at risk.
“The Warrnambool train is susceptible to long delays, and patrons with health complications or who have a need for regular medication may find themselves for long periods of time without respite.”
