Tuesday, 15 October 2024

South-West Coast electorate

Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:48): (834) My question is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure. When was it first identified that the train platforms on the Warrnambool line are too short to accommodate a six-carriage VLocity train, which is the same capacity as our existing N-class train service? The government’s upgrade is a downgrade, as they plan to run three-carriage VLocity trains at half the seating capacity with no buffet car. For long trips this is inadequate, particularly for people with special dietary needs, like diabetics. Disability groups are concerned about the safety of disabled people standing for 3-plus hours. After waiting for more than seven years the community are extremely disappointed to realise they have been duped. This is due to the government’s lack of planning for increased demand, capacity, safety and amenity. The VLocity trains should at least match the amenity and capacity of the current service.