LACK of basic passenger information, staffing and accessibility at regional train stations across regional areas have been put in the spotlight.
Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has asked Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams why regional stations continue to miss out on the real-time automated timetable updates that metropolitan passengers rely on every day, leaving regional travellers without clear or timely information during delays, cancellations and disruptions.
“Passengers in Seymour, Euroa, Benalla, Kilmore and Broadford deserve the same access to real-time service information as those in Melbourne,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Too often, regional passengers are left waiting on cold platforms with no updates, no staff on site and no certainty about when — or if — their train will arrive.”
In her question raised in Parliament, Ms Cleeland pressed the minister on when real-time service information, accessible ticketing options and out-of-hours staffing will finally be rolled out at regional stations serving communities in the Euroa electorate.
Ms Cleeland also raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of elderly and disabled passengers, particularly when stations are unstaffed and services are disrupted.
Ms Cleeland said reliable, accessible and well-staffed regional rail services were essential for communities that rely on public transport for work, medical appointments and connecting with family.
“Regional Victorians should not be treated as second-class passengers,” Ms Cleeland said.
A Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) spokesperson said passenger information displays (PIDs) at Euroa and Benalla are scheduled for installation in the second half of 2026.
“We recognise the importance of real-time passenger information, particularly at unstaffed stations, and are continuing to improve how customers access timely service updates.”
The spokesperson said the DTP is progressively updating the PIDs across the network.
This rollout is prioritised based on patronage and demand to maximise the reach of available funding. In addition to the progressive rollout of PIDs, updates to DTP channels such as the PTV App and Transport Victoria website will include real-time information for V/Line services (excluding V/Line coach services) in the first half of this year.
The spokesperson said DTP and V/Line regularly assess staffed station needs based on demand and resource availability and prioritise accordingly.
Where station staff are not available, V/Line customers are able to purchase tickets online at vline.com.au/Plan-trip-buy-tickets or through ticketing agents via vline.com.au/Maps-stations-stops/Where-to-buy-tickets. Customers can also purchase tickets from on-board conductors using cash.