Swan Hill Rural City Council is calling on V/Line to recognise the essential role its services play in the community and to make crucial improvements to meet the growing demand for rail travel.
Council's Mayor, Cr Stuart King, said the Council appreciated the 2023 ticket fare reduction, which has resulted in increased passenger numbers.
"Council would be interested to view trends on service utilisation and any observed changes following the fare reduction.
"Rising fuel costs, a lack of funding for roads, increasing living expenses, and an ageing population have led to more people choosing rail as their preferred mode of transport. This trend further reinforces the urgent need for enhanced train services to meet growing demand," Cr King said.
Cr King also acknowledged the ongoing advocacy of current and past Councillors, who have consistently pushed for improvements to rail services for our region. Council is a member of the Rail Freight Alliance, an ogranisation that also advocate for improved rail services.
The Mayor further stated that the Council was aware that the Member for Murray Plains, The Hon. Peter Walsh, had raised concerns regarding the Swan Hill service in August 2024. He highlighted the lack of commitment to essential onboard facilities, stating, "There is no commitment, or even indication, the Melbourne to Swan Hill service will be guaranteed disabled toilets on all trains, let alone a buffet car."
Cr King said the Council supported the call for improved onboard services, recognising that passengers on long-haul journeys require basic amenities for a comfortable trip.
"Council is also advocating for VLocity trains to be introduced to Swan Hill and are calling on V/Line to prioritise upgrades to its fleet. A high-speed express service could cut travel time between Bendigo and Swan Hill by at least an hour, greatly benefiting our local residents.
"Recent reports of air conditioning failures, malfunctioning toilets, and inconsistent beverage services are unacceptable, and we're strongly advocating for newer, more comfortable carriages to improve the travel experience for passengers in our region," Cr King said.
Cr King confirmed that the Council would continue advocacy efforts in this space.
"My fellow Councillors and I will continue to advocate for improved passenger and freight rail services on behalf of our community," he concluded.
