Changes to the V/Line timetable on the Gippsland railway line have created significant challenges for commuters in the Latrobe Valley. Many workers are now unable to reach Melbourne in time for their shifts due to a later arrival of the first train at Southern Cross Station. This issue arises from the State Government’s Big Switch timetable review.
Impact on Commuters and Workers
The revised timetable has increased service frequency throughout the day, but the timing of the earliest morning service has adversely affected early shift workers. Many tradespeople previously relied on the first train to arrive in Melbourne before 7:00 AM. Under the new schedule, these commuters find themselves arriving later than their start times, disrupting their work routines.
Although the timetable now offers services every 40 minutes from Traralgon, concerns persist about overall journey times and the performance of the network. According to historical data, travel to Melbourne now takes approximately 40 minutes longer than it did in the 1980s. Recent performance statistics reveal that the Gippsland line is not consistently meeting the reliability and punctuality benchmarks set by V/Line.
Broader Economic Implications
Latrobe City Council is also worried about the broader economic and social implications for the region. Reliable transport links are crucial for supporting employment pathways, retaining skilled workers, and maintaining the Latrobe Valley’s appeal as a residential option for those working in Melbourne.
At a Council meeting in February 2024, a Notice of Motion was introduced, calling on the Minister for Public and Active Transport to review the Gippsland timetable. The motion received unanimous support from Councillors, who are advocating for a review of the decision to alter the earliest service and consideration for reinstating an earlier arrival time.
Sharon Gibson, the Mayor of Latrobe City, expressed strong support for the review. “The State Government’s Big Switch timetable review has ultimately meant more trains more often to the Latrobe Valley, but it needs to be tweaked to ensure that we have the services and the timetables that work for our community,” she stated. Gibson emphasized the potential impacts on employment, commuters, and the retention of skilled workers within the region, urging the government to recognize these challenges.
While the upgrades to train lines and stations are welcomed, the unintended consequences related to timetabling and train lengths servicing the area must be addressed to better serve the needs of Latrobe Valley commuters.
