The State Government must immediately step in to address ongoing disruptions to Bendigo train services, the Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
Commuters are increasingly frustrated with train cancellations and delays, swapping to buses and industrial action on the Bendigo line.
Ms Broad said recent figures show Bendigo trains are cancelled more often than most other regional lines and ongoing industrial action was causing chaos for commuters.
“People rely on the train to get to work or medical appointments, go to school or visit Bendigo as tourists,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
Ms Broad said recent planned strike action was cancelled at short notice, making it hard for commuters to keep track and change plans.
“The reduction in fares has also seen increased usage across the regional network, resulting in overcrowding and uncomfortable services on trains and coaches.
“The disruption has been going on for months, and I ask the State Government to explain what is being done to manage this situation and to come to an agreement to get our regional train services back on track.
“Labor can’t manage money and cannot manage our public transport system.”