Train debacle hits home

NATIONAL MPs have slammed the State Government for the V/Line crisis by highlighting the human face behind the fiasco occurring on the Gippsland line.

Eastern Victoria Region MLC Melina Bath and Morwell MLA Russell Northe questioned the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan in parliament last week over concerns residents with disabilities were not being adequately catered for during the V/Line timetable disruptions.

Ms Bath highlighted the case of Mirboo North resident Taylor Connelly, a regular V/Line commuter with an acquired brain injury who had been significantly affected by the train debacle and unable to attend her medical appointments in Melbourne.

“She suffers from stress and anxiety, and she says she cannot actually cope with sitting inside a replacement bus because she cannot tolerate confined spaces,” Ms Bath told the parliament.

Ms Bath said Ms Connelly was “disappointed and frustrated” and had written to her asking: “I know that we are in the minority but does the Labor Government not spare a thought for the disabled trying to use bus services?”

Both National MPs have called on the minister to immediately put in place arrangements for people who have a physical or mental disability so all passengers can have access to safe and comfortable travel to Melbourne during this time of train service disruption.

Transport halt: Eastern Victoria Region MLC Melina Bath (left) talks to Mirboo North resident Taylor Connelly with partner Leigh Tomisic about the hardship of train disruptions on people with a disability.

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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Feb 16 2016. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry