By Mitchell Clarke
Strict measures around social distancing are in place but the public transport network remains open, and Pakenham line commuters have noticed a significant drop in patronage.
Usually synonymous with overcrowding, the busy line which caters to growing suburbs like Pakenham and Officer, has recorded a decline as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds.
“We’ve seen a reduction in the number of people travelling on our public transport network in line with the broader trend of more people working from home,” a Department of Transport (DOT) spokesperson said.
The decline has left some commuters relishing the opportunity to get a seat during peak hour trips.
Pakenham resident Luke Molino had relied on public transport to get him into the city to attend university before classes were moved online.
“The trains have definitely quietened down,” he said.
“There are empty parking sports at Pakenham station where normally by 8:30am there are never any sports left.
“There’s about 50 percent less people at a minimum. I used to not be able to get a seat when travelling from Parliament station to Pakenham but now there are plenty of seats.”
Cherie Feore was catching the train into work up until last weekend, and shared a similar experience.
“The trains are very quiet… kind of feels like I have missed the memo to not catch the train,” she said.
“Social distancing is interesting to watch as people are very scattered through the carriage and aim to move quickly to different seats to get further away from each other.”
Unlike Mr Molino and Ms Feore, Airielle Wollmer’s experience on the train hadn’t been so positive.
“How the hell does the government expect us to ‘keep a safe distance’ from other people,” she asked.
“I had a lady sit right next to me, even though there were vacant seats elsewhere.”
The Department of Transport is asking commuters to consider staggering their travel times in the mornings and evenings to help reduce the number of people using the train network at any one time.
“Where possible, we’re encouraging people to travel on public transport during less busy periods, practicing social distancing where possible and reconsider non-essential long distance journeys to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” a DOT spokesperson said.
The Department is working alongside the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), health agencies and transport operators to prepare for Covid-19’s potential impacts on Victoria’s transport network.
“As part of our planning for possible scenarios, there may be a need for changes to public transport services,” the spokesperson confirmed.
“This will only be done following expert medical advice and we’ll communicate with passengers and staff ahead of time should that be required.”
