From 1 January 2016 V/Line coaches will depart from Southern Cross Station at approximately 2am, bound for Bendigo, Ballarat, Traralgon, and Geelong, however Shepparton was not included as one of the trial regional destinations.
Minister Allan stated that “People who live in the outer suburbs and regional areas shouldn’t have to miss out on Melbourne’s vibrant night life. This trial is about giving them a safe and affordable way to get home.” Yet for those living in the Greater Shepparton area, being able to enjoy the entertainment offered in Melbourne is restricted due to the limited train and bus services between Shepparton and Melbourne on Friday evenings and weekends.
“It is disappointing that Greater Shepparton has again missed out on being considered for additional public transport services, especially on weekends”, explains Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Dennis Patterson. “If people from our area want to take public transport to watch a night time sporting match or go to the theatre it’s impossible as the last train arrives back in Shepparton at 8:59pm on a Friday and 9:05pm on Saturdays and Sundays.”
“There are many people who drive back from Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings which is extremely dangerous. There should be a much later train or even bus service option made available.”
Currently the late train services leaving from Melbourne to Shepparton on weekends are –Friday 6:22pm departing Melbourne, arriving in Shepparton at 8:59pm and Saturdays and Sundays leaving Melbourne at 6:32pm, arriving in Shepparton at 9:05pm.
