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State Budget: V/Line trains must be disability friendly

Train upgrade to include ease of access to people with disability giving them opportunities to participate in everyday community.

By news@gippsland - 26th May 2021 - Back to News

Upgrades to V/Line trains to make all carriages accessible to Victorians with a disability must be funded in Thursday’s State Budget. People with a disability have reported waiting hours stranded in the cold at stations or waiting for replacement taxis because trains weren’t properly fitted out, despite having requested disability access when the tickets were booked.

Access to affordable and reliable transportation allows people with disabilities important opportunities in participation in community life, making their travel easier

Multiple passenger complaints

Shadow Minister for Regional Public Transport Steph Ryan and Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull are supporting the calls of advocates and local people to make sure public transport is accessible for all Victorians.

Mr Bull said he’d heard multiple complaints from passengers with special needs arriving at Southern Cross to catch the train to Gippsland, only to be told they couldn’t board due to the trains not having disability facilities.

Time boarding not good enough

Mr Bull said, "This has resulted in people being left on the platform for later services or having to get a taxi home, arriving ours after the scheduled time, often in the early hours of the morning, the problem is two-fold. Not only are these services not disability friendly, but passengers finding this out at the time of boarding is simply not good enough, people need more warning to be able to plan."

Problems worsened

Ms Ryan said it was imperative funds were provided in this week’s State Budget. "The problems have worsened under a city-centric Labor Government that’s obsessed with pouring money into cost blowouts on Melbourne metro projects, while country services are so neglected people with a disability are stranded for hours and unable to board," Ms Ryan said.

Making sure train services are disability-friendly

Ms Ryan said, "What we want to see is a commitment to fix this problem with an allocation of funds to ensure all country train services are disability friendly. Reliable, comfortable, accessible public transport links are a key priority when it comes to boosting liveability outside of Melbourne and making our country communities an even better place to live and work.

"In the interim, while these carriages are being fitted out, there must be a system put in place to better educate and inform passengers, so they are not left on the platform in a stressful state of uncertainty."

Pictures from V/Line Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a $120 million election commitment for a new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department to meet rising demand, reduce delays and improve regional healthcare services.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment completed, delivering upgraded sporting, community and emergency facilities for local residents
  Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment is complete, delivering a $6 million upgraded multi-use community, sporting and emergency hub ahead of its June 14 reopening.
• Tim Bull urges better local firewood access from roadside clearing to ease East Gippsland shortages before winter arrives
  Tim Bull urges authorities to make roadside clearing timber available locally, expand collection areas, and improve access to firewood for East Gippsland communities ahead of winter shortages.
• Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes $250,000 funding to upgrade Noojee Heritage Centre precinct and rail trail
  Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes $250,000 funding for Noojee Heritage Centre precinct upgrades, supporting rail trail access, tourism infrastructure and local transition initiatives under the Forestry Transition Program.
• Gippsland Water completes Erica and Rawson water main upgrade to improve supply reliability for communities
  Gippsland Water has upgraded the Trigger Creek water main supplying Erica and Rawson, improving drinking water reliability, replacing ageing infrastructure, and reducing the risk of future supply interruptions.
• Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
  Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant.
• Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
  Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026.