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This article was published on Friday, 9 October, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Report demonstrates passenger train need

VLine’s recently released Annual Report for 2014-2015 attributes some of this rise to the introduction in an early morning 5.15am train from Shepparton to Seymour on weekdays.

Greater Shepparton City Council Deputy Mayor Fern Summer said the Annual Report indicates there is an increased demand for services by Greater Shepparton and Goulburn Valley users.

“I hope that this demand is recognised by the State Government and that Shepparton receives the necessary improved passenger rail services it needs as part of the Regional Network Plan,” said Cr Summer.

“The Geelong (4.24 million trips) and Bendigo (2.51 million trips) lines also experienced an increase, which reinforces that if you “build it they will come”. With our population expected to continue to rise we need more frequent and timely passenger rail services to Melbourne for people to work, attend study, go to medical appointments, attend events and visit family and friends,” said Cr Summer.

“It is ridiculous that people have to drive to Seymour or all the way to Melbourne for these things. It poses a safety risk for those driving early or late and does nothing to get cars off the road and reduce pollution.”