Daniel Andrews’ decision to dump Melissa Horne from the public transport portfolio is an admission of his government’s appalling record on V/Line, but it will do nothing to help country train travellers.
V/Line’s performance has gone from bad to worse under Labor, as deep funding cuts continue to affect the lives of regional train travellers.
In Melissa Horne’s 18 months as Minister, VLine has regularly failed to meet performance targets.
Shadow Minister for Regional Public Transport Steph Ryan said a new ministerial appointment was no excuse for Daniel Andrews to continue to neglect country rail.
“Changing Ministers will do nothing to fix the delays, overcrowding and cancellations that continue to hit country train travellers,” Ms Ryan said.
“Daniel Andrews might think a different Minister will be a better salesperson but nothing will change while Labor continues to sell the same dodgy policies.
“Labor has cut $149 million from V/Line’s operating budget and is selling out country train travellers with a second-rate airport rail link.
“Under Labor, just four per cent of the state’s capital funding for public transport is being spent on country rail.
“Daniel Andrews is firing the chef, when he needs to change the recipe.”
Background – Results by service (no. of times 92 per cent punctuality target not met since December 2018)
Short Distance
| Geelong | Ballarat | Bendigo | Seymour | Gippsland | |
| No. months service failed to meet 92 per cent punctuality target | 11 | 13 | 16 | 11 | 17 |
Long distance
| Warrnambool | Ararat / Maryborough | Swan Hill & Echuca | Albury / Wodonga | Shepparton | Bairnsdale | |
| No. months service failed to meet 92 per cent punctuality target | 15 | 13 | 1 | 18 | 9 | 15 |
