THIS week’s announcement of a $10 million package to upgrade 20 rail level crossings on the Warrnambool line was, at last, good news for frustrated train passengers.
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Trains have been consistently late for months with poor visibility at level crossings, particularly for train drivers, to blame. This has forced the introduction of speed restrictions on the line.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan’s announcement that the state government would fast-track the crossing upgrades was a positive step forward.
The government will spend the next 10 months working through the list of upgrades that it says will enable the speed restrictions to be lifted. Ms Allan said the investment was the biggest single injection to the Warrnambool line since it opened.
Ms Allan and the government’s commitment is most welcome – something south-west commuters have longed for.
While the upgrades are critical for safety reasons, they will really only bring the line up to the most basic standard. Our journey times, which have been extended as a result of the speed restrictions, are struggling to be met and even after the improvements, the trip will only return to its previous duration.
The harsh reality is the upgrades are not going to reduce the length of trips any time soon because solutions are going to take years and millions more dollars.
Ms Allan revealed this week the government was working on a longer term plan to improve the line. The work will be complex and time consuming but it is critical it is done now. Delays in the planning will only hold back any future improvements. Besides, the planning should have already been completed because the issues – old rolling stock and track concerns – have been around for years.
Once the planning is completed, all sides of politics will need to join forces and back the strategy because the work is unlikely to be funded and finished in one term of office.
Operator V/Line this week released patronage numbers which revealed, despite the repeated lateness, increased use. This speaks volume for why the government should act swiftly and develop a longer-term plan. Warrnambool’s expected population and tourism growth will only drive more demand for the service, adding more weight to the case for improvements.
This week’s announcement was a good step forward but more has to be done to get the service up to speed.
