IT has been some time coming, but rail passengers in the North East are now getting a much better service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The latest punctuality rating of 94 per cent was released by Transport Minister Terry Mulder last week.
Council representatives, along with local politicians Bill Tilley, Bill Sykes, Tim McCurdy and the member for Seymour Cindy McLeish, met Mr Mulder and his parliamentary secretary at Parliament House last Thursday.
Public Transport Victoria and V/Line were party to the discussions as well.
The meeting was instigated by the councils and backed by the member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, who was unable to attend because of parliamentary sittings in Canberra.
The punctuality rating is more than double what it was 12 months ago when it was at an appalling 46 per cent.
Train time tabling was the major discussion point, but car parking, tourism, cafes at some stations, improved train cleanliness and the need for more modern rolling stock were other topics.
It is pleasing to see Mr Mulder was prepared to listen to the variety of issues and check whether action can be taken.
But authorities cannot rest until the punctuality is 100 per cent on a long- term basis.
