A VICTORIAN Government MP is "comfortable" the North East railway line will benefit from short term improvements under a new transport plan.
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Jaclyn Symes is the co-chair of the Regional Transport Advisory Group which has been set-up to take feedback on a plan being formed for rail operator V/Line and Public Transport Victoria.
The Labor Party MP for Northern Victoria said it was "very clear" the Albury line had "some catching up to do" compared to other routes and she would be fighting for better funding.
"The North East is certainly my priority and I'll be pushing for at least equity (with other lines)," she said.
"The Transport Minister (Jacinta Allan) is a regional MP and she understands the importance of train connectivity for people in rural and regional Victoria, so we've got an empathetic ear there, so I'm comfortable we'll be able to deliver something in the short term."
Ms Symes declined to specify what that "something" would be, but expects improvements amounting to "low-hanging fruit" would be funded in next year's Victorian budget.
She is aware of frustrations at train reliability and speed, station car parking, buses and mudholes.
"Being able to funnel all these concerns into something that's meaningful rather than continually knocking on the Minister of Transport's door is really worthwhile,” Ms Symes said.
The advisory group wants to hear directly from travellers at evening forums being held in Benalla (August 10), Wangaratta (August 11) and Wodonga (August 12).
A website getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au has also been set up for feedback.
The North East’s representative on the advisory committee is Wodonga Council chief executive Patience Harrington.
She was on leave and unavailable for comment.
Border Rail Action Group chairman Bill Traill suggested she faced a hard task.
"It's a difficult role to play and especially difficult for someone who hasn't been involved in the rail situation,” Mr Traill said.
