Figures released by V/Line show 477,000 people used the train in 2010/11, 449,000 used the train in 2011/12, 471,000 used the train in 2012/13, 437,000 used the train in 2013/14 and 474,000 used the train in the past financial year.

With some candidates in the South-West Coast by-election pushing for a fourth train service along with a long standing campaign from local councils, Corangamite Mayor Chris O’Connor said the data demonstrated the dire need for an additional service.

He said increased patronage would be improved by a service that ran on time, was in a good condition and had enough services to meet community needs and expectations. 

“It is a case of build it and they will come,” he said.

“If we put in the extra services people will use it.

“I think it’s a matter of the government looking at it, because it’s not hard. It’s a matter of timetable change.”

Chair of the Great South Coast group Colin Ryan backed Cr O’Connor and urged the government to improve the service. 

“It’s not rocket science,” Cr Ryan said.

“Spend the money and people will use it.”