Poor service results in fewer passengers

As another period without train services to the region looms – there’ll be no passenger trains from January 3 for the rest of the month – Committee for Gippsland says it is concerned that the drop in patronage over the past four years is being interpreted as a sign of decreasing need rather than the reality of longstanding disruptions.

V/Line’s annual report revealed Gippsland passenger numbers had dropped from 2.01 million in 2014-2015 to 1.8 million last financial year.

All other regional lines showed increases. CFG chief executive officer Jane Oakley said many of the disruptions are not related to proposed upgrades on the Gippsland line.

They were mainly for work on the metropolitan network with the flow-on benefits for Gippsland commuters unclear, she said.

“Gippsland’s contribution to the State’s economy is well recognised and it is essential the region is not left behind because it is seen as too difficult in regard to patronage, integration and cost”.

Ms Oakley said rail freight was equally important as passenger services.

Gippsland presents the Victorian economy with heavy commodity growth potential building on the region’s economic reputation as a significant GDP contributor, she said.

Ms Oakley stated that it had been well established that Gippsland’s V/Line passenger services are the slowest and most unreliable in Victoria.

Faster, more reliable and more frequent services are vital for connectivity within the region and to jobs and social opportunities and rail will be a key growth enabler for the region securing long-term sustainability and improvements to community health and wellbeing, she added.