The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the Allan Labor Government’s month of free travel in November has been exposed as nothing more than a publicity stunt, with Gippsland commuters hit by 19 days of disruptions.
“Labor offered free travel as a ‘thank you’ to Gippslanders, but more than half the month still saw coaches replace trains,” Mr O’Brien said.
“November was supposed to mark a fresh start, yet passengers were again dealing with delays, cancellations and uncertainty.”
Confusion also plagued the free-travel scheme itself, with many commuters unsure how to access it, particularly in an area dominated by unmanned stations.
Mr O’Brien said Gippslanders now face another round of planned disruptions, with coaches replacing evening trains from 7–10 December and 14 Dec – 17 Dec 2025.
“Gippslanders have patiently endured years of interruptions while various metro and Gippsland projects were delivered.
“But even now, after the upgrade is finished, they’re still being shunted onto buses and there’s still no clear end in sight.”
Mr O’Brien said communities east of Traralgon continue to be short-changed under Labor.
“Wellington and East Gippsland commuters have shown incredible patience.
“Yet even after all the work is done, they’ve been left with the same timetable and still face rolling disruptions.
“Labor continues to make decisions as though Traralgon is the end of the Gippsland line.”
Mr O’Brien said Gippsland passengers deserve a rail service that provides reliability, clear communication and genuine improvements.
“It is clear that the Allan Labor Government can’t manage rail projects, and it is Gippslanders who continue to pay the price.”