COMMUTERS have welcomed the changes to local train services but remain wary of what lies ahead.
While some residents told the Gazette they believed the measures announced last week would resolve concerns, others were not convinced.
The following is a sample of commuters’ reaction to the revised timetable.
Bruce Jewell: “I think it is a start. However, I am still not convinced they have listened to commuters. It seems to me that this is a quick fix solution to quell people’s anger leading up to the election. There are still too many unanswered questions.”
Luv Valiquette (Yarragon): “The proposed solutions to this fiasco do not alleviate my concerns. After all, these concessions are on a trial basis. In other words, if the numbers aren’t good, the buses will be eliminated.”
Anthony Gown (Garfield): “It is an acceptable compromise. I have spoken to a number of users from Nar Nar Goon through to Longwarry and in most cases, the general opinion is that the government and VLine have made a change for the better.”
Nick Matthews: “Not happy. Without a stop at Caulfield I will be unable to catch the 4.59 VLine service anyway.”
Linda Balfour (Bunyip): “I am pleased that an effort has been made to ensure that residents in the ‘forgotten’ towns can access the peak service. One thing that does concern me is the cost of the solution. Rather than address the actual problem — ie peak hour train not stopping — the answer from the Labor Party is to throw money away on not one but two bus services.”
Janine Boyce (Garfield): “I am happy with the outcome. My opinion is that as Garfield has been made a flagship station then it should have every train stop there.”
Mike Considine (Garfield): “The changes cover part of our concerns. The changes get those people at Garfield home from the city. It is not the best solution but a quick fix to try and dispose of the issue.”
Carolyn Mitchem (Nar Nar Goon): “I know where my vote will be going in November!”
Paul Dunlop
