Lack of permit checks

Transport worker says many flouting the rules

A PUBLIC transport worker has called on the state government to step up permit checks on trains coming and going to regional Victoria amid the latest Covid wave.

The worker, who is familiar with the Geelong train line and asked to remain anonymous, wants to see checks stepped up.

“We’ve got assets that cost the taxpayer a lot of money,” the worker said.

“Why not have PSOs (protective services officers) and police officers in the doorways of trams, coaches and trains asking for people’s permits and letters of authority to travel?”

The worker said checks would be particularly helpful around stations on Melbourne’s fringe, such as Werribee and Tarneit.

“The vast majority of people are doing the right thing,” the worker said.

“But I can guarantee you, of some people who are regularly taking the train, some are just there for a fun ride and aren’t too concerned about getting a fine.”

With coaches and limited train services running on regional lines, the worker said lockdown was the perfect time to start enforcing stricter the chief health officer’s travel rules. Anyone caught flouting travel restrictions faces a $5452 fine.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers continued to monitor major transport hubs, and PSOs were present at 62 police stations.

“We continue to assess our operational requirements on an ongoing basis,” she said.

“While under the state of emergency, some police and PSOs have been deployed to key community locations within metropolitan Melbourne to provide a visible police presence.”

It comes after hundreds of

V/line drivers and operational staff were forced to isolate after six staff tested positive to coronavirus, with coaches replacing buses on regional routes.

Disruptions are expected to continue into Friday.

V/line has committed to running a select number of peak services along the Geelong line with the remainder replaced by coaches.

Transport Department head of transport services Nick Foa said there had been an increased presence of authorised officers on trains since September 10.

“We’ve ramped up our efforts to protect the hard-won freedoms of regional Victorians,” he said.

“Our officers are stationed at regional metropolitan interchange stations.”

V/Line has also enacted a number of measures, including mandated masks, additional cleaning, QR checkin codes, physical distancing and temperature checks for staff.