GIPPSLAND USERS MISS OUT UNDER NEW RAIL TIMETABLE

Gippsland rail users are expressing anger at the new regional rail timetable, to the extent that some are considering giving up on public transport.

Gippsland MP Peter Hall raised the issue in Parliament this week, after frustrated constituents complained that under the new timetable, many passengers will be worse off.

"It seems that the main objection concerns the decision to reschedule the peak period 4.47 p.m. train out of Southern Cross station back to Gippsland and to make it an express service," Mr Hall told Parliament.

"An email to me from a constituent says: 'Passengers that have used the evening peak service for 7+ years living in Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield, Bunyip, Longwarry, Yarragon and Trafalgar have been left out in the cold.'

"Another constituent pointed out to me that under the existing timetable that 4.47 p.m. service will get him back to Garfield at 6.06 p.m., but under the new schedule he will not get back until 6.55 p.m. -- an extra 50 minutes that he is taken away from his family."

Outside Parliament Mr Hall said it was ludicrous that one of the major growth areas of the State was being disadvantaged by the timetable.

"Everyone knows - except, it seems the Government and its timetablers - that the rail link is an important part of the development of the towns of Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield, Bunyip, Longwarry, Yarragon and Trafalgar.

"In the rush to promote the 'fast train' concept and boast about alleged 'faster and better services, these areas have been forgotten. It's an expensive exercise to create a system where key users are worse off."

Mr Hall told Parliament there was anger, frustration and disappointment among rail users.

"I say 'frustration and disappointment' because the quicker services will save a mere 9 minutes on a full journey from Melbourne to Traralgon, and there are precious few of them -- in fact two per day, one down and one back.

"The time saving for many commuters is far less than that. I say 'anger' because a great many train users will be severely inconvenienced -- some to the point where they have suggested to me that they will give up using public transport services."

Mr Hall urged the Government to look at the timetable again, particularly the peak 4.47 p.m. service, because it is not fair or appropriate for Gippslanders.

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066