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Labor Needs To Fix Train Problems Before Card Trial

The Bracks Government had better improve its abysmal record of running late trains 13 months in a row if it is to test the new Smartcard system in the Latrobe Valley.

By Philip Davis - 25th July 2005 - Back to News

Liberal Member for Gippsland Province Philip Davis said it was ridiculous that the Labor Member for Morwell was pushing for the new Smartcard system to be trailed through the Latrobe Valley’s bus and train network, when his government cannot seem to run an adequate train service.

Mr Davis said while Latrobe Valley Bus Lines ran a reliable service throughout the Latrobe Valley, Gippsland’s rail service is a constant let down and not up to the standard one would presume was required for such a trial.

"The Bracks Government and Brendan Jenkins’ first focus should be on making sure trains arrive and arrive on time before it takes on anything else," Mr Davis said.

"Month after month, trains on the Gippsland line have the worst record for running late in the whole of Victoria.

"In May 2005, 24 per cent of trains to East and West Gippsland failed to arrive on time.

"Last month, that record was beaten, with 27 per cent of trains arriving late."

Mr Davis said Latrobe Valley residents who chose rail as their mode of transport to get them to and from work each day are fed up with the unreliable train system.

"Having the Smartcard trial in the Latrobe Valley would be a boon for the region," Mr Davis said.

"But the Bracks Government must take heed of the constant complaints and pathetic figures in relation to the reliability of the current rail service.

"Efforts would be better spent improving Gippsland’s rail service before putting it on display to the state via the Smartcard trial.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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