My argument and many other people's arguments have not necessarily been for the full abolition of road coaches between Echuca-Bendigo and 100 per cent replacement with trains; the argument has been for timetable reform, with consistent daily departure times along with the introduction of a before 9am arrival service into

Bendigo.

The reason for the request for the increase in the running of passenger trains is that most Victorians will say they prefer to travel by train than by road coaches as they often feel safer on trains, less cramped and have the option to move about.

The elderly and the disabled find them easier to board and therefore it is more logical to operate this peak service as a rail service, given the government's $10 million upgrade of the Echuca-Bendigo rail line.

Towns serviced by passenger trains also improve economically as more people are

attracted to travel to a town that is serviced regularly by a passenger train, resulting in a greater number of visitors to the region, which in turn encourages national and international investment in the region.

The people of Goornong see extending some of the Epsom-Huntly Bendigo urban services would counter many of the problems they have with the V/Line services.

Extending the Huntly service to Goornong would also benefit the people in the Bagshot area.

CHRIS OAFF, Bendigo