Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King today welcomed the resumption of Ballarat train services following the completion of a key package of works for the Regional Rail Link project.
“Beginning today V/Line trains will progressively move to dedicated tracks between Sunshine and Southern Cross until the new timetable completely takes effect from 27 July,” Ms King said.
“The former Labor Government invested $3.2 billion for the Regional Rail Link, Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure project to service our regional centres and improve the frequency and reliability for passengers on the Ballarat line.
“Labor recognises that as our region continues to grow, the state’s infrastructure needs to grow with it.
“That’s why we invested in this important public transport project, to provide options for people to move quickly and reliably into the cities and the regions, in turn, supporting employment opportunities.
“This philosophy is lost on Tony Abbott who has already cut $3 billion from the Melbourne Metro project as part of his first Budget.
“Tony Abbott fails to understand that in order to alleviate congestion, governments need to invest in both road and rail.”
State Member for Ballarat East, Geoff Howard, who will travel on the train today to inspect the upgrades to the line, said he expects the government to commit to improving services for commuters on the Ballarat line.
“Now that a key part of the Regional Rail Link project is coming online, I call on the Napthine Government to deliver improved services for Ballarat commuters,” Mr Howard said.
“Unfortunately under Denis Napthine, travel times have become longer and performance targets are consistently missed.
“Without critical investment in rolling stock and improved timetabling, Ballarat commuters have every right to feel short-changed by Denis Napthine.”