Wednesday, 29 November 2023

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (12:56): (605) My question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and it regards the V/Line VLocity trains which have been rolled out on the Shepparton line. Constituents have recently come to me to highlight the inadequacy of these trains. Unlike older trains, the VLocity carriages do not have tinted windows or curtains to provide protection for passengers from the sun outside, which will become increasingly dangerous during the summer. Sunburn, heat stroke and increased risk of skin cancer are dangers which commuters should not have to face when using public transport. Concerningly, the VLocity trains also lack buffet carriages, which are essential on long-haul services, particularly for diabetics and passengers who are forced to catch the 5:16 am service, which is the only service to arrive in Melbourne before 9 am. Minister, will you ensure the windows of the carriages are tinted and curtains are installed, and will you reinstate buffet carriages on trains on the Shepparton line?