IN Parliament recently, Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll made no indications that Gippsland Lines replacement services will stop at Clayton, Dandenong and Caulfield, as the train line braces for more works in August and September.

A Gippsland Line social media account wrote on August 2: “Due to Gippsland Line Upgrade and Level Crossing Removal Project works, coaches replace trains between Southern Cross, Traralgon, and Bairnsdale for the entire journey from Monday 21 August to Sunday 10 September.”

Depending on the day, the replacement services will not stop at Flinders Street, Richmond, Caulfield, Clayton, Dandenong, and Berwick stations. Be sure to check the timetables before you travel.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull says replacement bus services must cater for passengers, adding that the coaches skipping Clayton, Dandenong and Caulfield are hindering those attending important medical appointments, forcing the sick and elderly to catch a coach from Pakenham, then a Metro train to Clayton, which he described as inappropriate and cumbersome.

“I have requested the Minister for Transport review this decision and restore access to the stops that would have been covered by the train,” he said.

“Even if we can restore these stops on certain timetables, it will allow patients to align their appointments with the public transport services.”

Tim Bull made his statement in Parliament on June 20, finishing with the question: “will the Minister restore stops to these locations in the replacement bus schedule?”

Mr Carroll responded to the question on July 28, but did not directly address Clayton, Dandenong and Caulfield stations stops.

“V/Line considers several factors when planning and delivering replacement coach services. These include journey time, diversions and access to stations, patronage figures, coordination with other public transport services and availability of coaches,” Mr Carroll said.

“Passengers requiring alternative travel are encouraged to contact V/Line ahead of travelling to arrange assistance, this may include mobility aids on coaches or arranging an accessible taxi, where appropriate. Customer service staff are also available to assist passengers with transferring between services.

“Passengers can access the latest travel information, including changes to services during planned works from the V/Line and PTV website and mobile apps.”

Mr Bull had also asked Mr Carroll about the provision of a buffet car for the Gippsland line long haul service.

“It remains my strong view that if you are traveling this distance from Bairnsdale to Melbourne, or back the other way, then you should have the opportunity to have a cup of tea and a small snack on that service,” he said in Parliament on May 18.

Mr Carroll responded on June 23.

“The overwhelming feedback from passengers is they want a fast, reliable train service – which is why we are delivering more modern VLocity trains to give passengers the better services they deserve,” Mr Carroll said.

“The majority of Bairnsdale services have been operated by modern, comfortable VLocity trains since 2018 and work is underway to enable these trains to operate on all services to and from East Gippsland. The current design of new broad gauge VLocity trains does not include a catering facility.

“V/Line is currently reviewing options for the availability of food and beverages across the network, including on the Gippsland Line. We appreciate that some passengers may want to consume food and beverages during their travel, and passengers are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages (with lids) on board.

“A coffee cart is present at Bairnsdale Station during the week, open from 8am to 1pm.”