Mp calls for station shelter

Today, Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas to ride the train to talk to passengers about the new services and timetable that began on 27 August.

An additional 18 services were added in this timetable change, taking the total number of services delivered by the Andrews Labor Government on the Bendigo line to 38.

Ms Thomas said that in the last two years, the Andrews Labor Government has added 38 new services on the Bendigo line. More than five times the number of services added under the former Liberal Government.

The 18 services includes nine extra services on Saturdays and Sundays, an extra weekday off-peak evening service and an extension of Friday’s late-night service to run each weeknight departing Southern Cross Station.

Passengers at Macedon, Riddells Creek, Clarkefield and Malmsbury stations will also be able to catch an additional 9 trains, which have previously not stopped at their stations. As a result, the frequency of trains stopping these stations on the weekend will be significantly increased from 90 to 60 minutes.

Passengers on the Bendigo line are also set to benefit from the Victorian and Federal Government’s Regional Rail Revival, with $91 million committed for upgrading the Bendigo line to run faster trains.

Minister Allan and Ms Thomas also travelled to Macedon to inspect the station and discuss options to make improvements to the station. Ms Thomas made strong representations to Minister Allan on the need for a heated shelter following her ongoing discussions with commuters.

"As one of the highest V/line stations in the state, it makes sense that there should be a warm shelter at Macedon, to protect passengers from the rain and snow" she said.

"Our Government is committed to improving the public transport services for regional communities, and I am confident the Minister will seriously consider this request on behalf of my community."

Work to install up to 110 car parks at Macedon station, is scheduled to begin construction later this year.