Trains have to keep up

GEELONG’S proximity to Melbourne is one of its big drawcards.

It is part of the reason why Geelong’s property market has soared in recent times, with people priced out of Melbourne realising that by buying in Geelong they can combine a relaxed coastal lifestyle with an accessible commute to the city.

But as the population grows and government agencies relocate here, the pressure increases on making sure we have the infrastructure to meet the growing demand.

There’s no bigger pressure than on our rail service. As the population increases, so has our network of commuters, with thousands of locals relying on the local train service every day.

Governments have recognised this — the State Government announced 142 extra weekly services on the Geelong rail line last year — with both the State and Federal governments committing money into a business case on the duplication of the track between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds.

So when 10 train services are cancelled on one day alone due to “staff sickness” within V/Line, it is guaranteed to raise the hackles of the many people who find themselves inconvenienced.

All up, more than 50 trains have been cancelled or altered due to staff sickness in the past two months. That equates to a lot of commuters inconvenienced because V/Line either has a flawed roster or not enough trained people on the books to swing in when needed.

As any small business owner can tell you, staff sickness is a part of life but there have to be contingencies in place so that your business can still operate when people get sick. This is even more relevant when you are providing a service for thousands of people every day. Sick staff members should not be enough to bring down a major, government-run transportation service on V/Line’s busiest line.

Schools don’t close, shops don’t stop trading and hospitals still take patients when staff are sick. So why is it acceptable for our trains to stop running? Our commuters deserve better.