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Call for signalling upgrades on Seymour line after collision scare

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Shadow Minister for Regional Public Transport and Member for Euroa Steph Ryan says the signalling on the Seymour train line needs fixing urgently.

Ms Ryan said signalling on the Seymour line had been an issue for years.

“The antiquated signalling on the line is not working,” she said.

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“Instead of fixing the problem, the government has been operating the line manually for several years.

“In May two V/Line passenger trains almost had a head on collision just south of Seymour but thankfully, the drivers managed to pull up when they saw each others’ lights.”

The incident was allegedly hidden from passengers, with the announcement stating the was the result of ‘unforeseen signalling issues’.

“I don’t know how the minister can claim that the line is ‘safe’ when two trains almost had a head on collision,” Ms Ryan said.

The State Government announced earlier this month that it would invest $613 million over the next four years to ensure that V/Line operates efficiently and effectively as demand continues to grow.

However, when the Review contacted Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll’s office about how much money would be allocated to the Seymour line, and plans for required works, no specific details were given.

A government spokesperson replied ‘this additional funding will allow us to complete major maintenance on key infrastructure across all lines in coming years’.

The spokesperson said additional maintenance funding would be used to improve existing infrastructure on every V/Line corridor, including the Seymour line.

In April, a .8 million project was completed along the Seymour and Shepparton tracks including pulling up the road surface, completing repairs to the tracks underneath and then relaying a new surface at three level crossings,  helping to improve safety and ensure the ongoing upkeep of the line. 

The package of works also included bridge repairs, track maintenance, mud hole removal, culvert works, signal upgrades and repairs to some platforms.

Crews also completed a program of rail milling along the Seymour line as part of the State Government’s stimulus funding, which is vital for removing rust and debris from the rail line, providing a smoother ride, reducing wear and tear on trains and keeping train detection systems working.

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