Tuesday, 22 March 2022

V/Line bicycle booking system

Ms BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (19:11): (6280) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Public Transport, and the action I seek is for a booking system to be implemented on V/Line services to allow certainty for passengers carrying bikes on trains. As regional Victoria looks to recover and rebuild from two years of lockdowns and restrictions that have crippled the tourism sector, there has never been a more important time to encourage holiday-makers to get out and see the sights of our state. But under current V/Line policy people who want to travel on the train to Warrnambool with their bikes face the prospect of being stranded on the platform. Likewise, there is the possibility they could travel to Warrnambool with their bikes on the train but not be allowed to get back on the train with them.

Bikes are only allowed on V/Line trains if there is space available, and the conductor has the final say. Should bikes be allowed, it is on a first-come, first-served basis. This system lacks the clarity and certainty travellers need when planning a holiday. Having a situation where somebody could be trying to return home and turn up to the station with their bike only to be told they cannot take it with them is archaic and unworkable. For many people a bike is part of their luggage, so it seems nonsensical to have a system where they might or might not be able to bring it with them. It is putting obstacles in front of travellers that just are not needed at a time when we should be making travel in regional Victoria easier, not harder. The rising price of petrol looms and also acts as a deterrent for people visiting regional Victoria by car, which opens the door to encourage more people to travel via the V/Line service. This makes it even more crucial to have policies that encourage rather than hinder people from travelling on our trains.

I have been urging the minister for months to intervene in an ongoing issue which prevents a Warrnambool tourism bus operator from accessing the public car park at the station for easy access for tourists to her service. It is yet another example of the roadblocks this government is putting in front of tourists and tourism operators who have been trying their hardest to rebuild and recover from the pandemic. South-West Coast has many popular bike tracks and trails for riders of all ages and experiences. One of them is the Port Fairy–Warrnambool Rail Trail. The 38-kilometre rail trail has two main sections, Port Fairy to Koroit and Koroit to Warrnambool, which circles the picturesque Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. It is an extremely popular trail for locals and tourists, particularly those interested in cycling.

I am sure many bicycle enthusiasts would love to explore our region, but the rail uncertainty situation prevents them from taking off. Cycling is a terrific form of exercise for both health and wellbeing, so it makes no sense to have a barrier in the way of people who would like to travel with their bikes via the V/Line service. An online booking system is an easy fix, and it makes sense. I urge the minister to consider this as another way to attract travellers to our region to enjoy the many bike trails on offer.