Government must reconsider rail service catering options

Published on 31 August 2022

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Moyne Shire Mayor Cr Ian Smith has called on the State Government to retain catering services on Warrnambool rail services.

Cr Smith has written to Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll highlighting the problems removing catering options would have for people joining the train service via coach connections.

“For example the coach connection to the early train that depart Warrnambool leaves Yambuk just after 5am and Port Fairy at 5.20am,” Cr Smith said.

“At that hour of the morning there are no places open to get something to eat or a hot drink, people using these coach connections often rely on the café on the train.

“It’s the same for return services, with coaches arriving in Port Fairy and Yambuk after 11pm – once you get on the train in Melbourne it’s a long time before you have access to something to eat or drink.

“We are calling on the State Government to improve Public Transport Services across our region, not lessen them.”

Cr Smith said if a café section wasn’t an option, the Government should look at introducing a trolley type service on long distance journeys.

“You see that on trains in the United Kingdom and of course on airlines – it could be an alternative that won’t require the loss of seats and would mean trains could be used on other lines across the state.”

Cr Smith said his letter was part of Moyne’s ongoing advocacy agenda ahead of the State Election.

“Over the coming weeks we will sit down with the candidates who have already put their hands up and outline our key priority projects and issues with them,” Cr Smith said.

“We are also visiting Parliament House as part of the South West Victoria Alliance this week talking about our regional priorities.

“Moyne Councillors and Staff also visited Parliament in May and met with Government and Opposition MPs at Parliament House.

“Council is using every opportunity it has to make sure both the Government and the Opposition are aware of our priorities ahead of the election.”    

 

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