Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (14:46): (1311) My question is to the Minister for Transport Infrastructure, and the information that I seek is: will the completion of stage 3 of the Shepparton line upgrade include extra carriages to address the overcrowding at peak times currently being experienced? Overcrowding is a significant issue on the Shepparton line, leaving many travellers having to stand and feeling unsafe during their journey. My office has been inundated with frustrated travellers raising the issue of overcrowding and unsafe travel. With the recent announcement of free weekend travel on public transport across Victoria from December this year to February 2026, it is expected it will see increased patronage. We need to ensure that people can travel safely on public transport and that they have a seat. We also need to have adequate public transport and infrastructure to address the needs of an increasing population. The current public transport needs, including trains and bus services, are currently not being met in my electorate. We have been waiting for far too long for this upgrade that was due to be finished in 2023 and is still yet to be completed. I look forward to the minister’s response.