Thursday, 31 October 2024

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (13:03): (1221) My constituency question today is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport. Since the introduction of the VLocity trains to the Shepparton line my constituents have noticed a decrease in train capacity. Some mornings, by the time the train reaches Broadford the train is full and the V/Line customers are forced to stand in the aisles on the carriages. This poses a danger to those standing during an unexpected incident or emergency as well as causing them discomfort in having to stand for long periods of time. The congestion also makes it hard for conductors to make their way down the carriage to check tickets, and passengers struggle to make their way to amenities and doorways. All this could be avoided by simply adding extra carriages to meet the passenger demands of the service. It is a well-known fact that many people travel on the morning and evening trains to and from northern Victoria to get to work, appointments and entertainment in the city. My constituents ask: will the minister instruct V/Line to add extra carriages to train services on the Shepparton line?