The latest decision of the state government regarding Gippsland rail services has seen a reduction in customer comfort and service, according to local MPs.
The final diesel locomotive hauled N class service ran to Bairnsdale over the weekend with the three daily return services now being operated by new VLocity trains.
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said while a new train sounded good in theory, the reality was disappointing for local travellers.
“Despite campaigning for a number of years on this issue, the government has completely ignored concerns about the removal of buffet services on the new trains,” he said.
“I’ve been contacted by many constituents who believe the VLocity carriages and seats don’t offer the same level of comfort as the old N class trains and without a buffet service it is even more uncomfortable.
“Albury line VLocity trains have a buffet service so why can’t ours? Surely it’s not too much to ask to be able to get a cup of tea when you’re on a four-hour journey?”
Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said the government was gaslighting Gippsland train passengers.
“Our services haven’t improved for decades and indeed the travel time to Melbourne is as long as it was in 1990. In addition to the end of the N class service, Gippsland passengers on the first train from Bairnsdale through Sale, will now be forced to stop at a further six stations along the journey,” he said.
“We have been asking for additional services to Wellington and East Gippsland shires for 10 years now and Labor has delivered nothing.”
The federal budget this year indicated a $300 million blow-out on the Gippsland Regional Rail Revival project which the state government cannot even give a completion date for, according to the local MPs.
Mr O’Brien said the project had been declared as “shovel ready” as far back as 2017 and yet the government couldn’t say when it would be finished.
“More importantly, we want to know whether there will be additional services on the line but despite repeated questioning, the government will not commit to anything beyond Traralgon,” he said.
