By ANEEKA SIMONIS
IT’S not just Metro travellers that have been impacted by V/Line’s recent travel restrictions, according to Bass MP Brian Paynter.
Last month, Public Transport Victoria (PTV) barred Pakenham commuters from boarding the faster regional train line to and from Melbourne in a move to end “inequity” between metro and regional passengers.
But Mr Paynter said the new regulations were punishing a significant proportion of regional travellers who, in the past, would drive to Pakenham to catch an inbound train.
“They are also kicking off country people, not just Metro travellers. Residents in my electorate from Kooweerup, Bayles, Phillip Island and Inverloch tell me they have always driven to Pakenham and parked there to catch a train into the city,” he said.
State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy, who previously committed to reversing the travel restrictions if elected to government, said Labor’s “short-sighted” decision would likely add to growing congestion on the roads.
“It’s just mad. Less people will take public transport because of this … they will continue on to the Monash Freeway and add to the congestion,” he said.
“You don’t encourage more people to take public transport by booting them off.”
Ken Milsom, a Drouin resident who takes the Traralgon V/Line service, stood by Labor’s decision which he described as a “big win” for fellow Gippsland commuters.
“For Gippsland, there are 18 services to and from Melbourne on each weekday (17 stop at Pakenham), while there are over 60 Metro services each way between Melbourne and Pakenham on each weekday,” he wrote to the Pakenham Gazette days after the restrictions were introduced on Sunday 21 June.
“It’s taken many years for the decision to be made to exclude Pakenham commuters from V/Line Gippsland services. To reverse the decision would be insane.”
Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood acknowledged transport concerns expressed by Gippsland passengers.
“In terms of the V/Line service, the patronage on the line has doubled over the last 10 years. We are having enormous problems with catering for demand for the service,” he said.
Commuters may be fined $217 for failing to comply with the new travel restrictions, according to PTV communication adviser Jess Maguire.
The changes will not be enforced until 1 January next year.
