Passenger train means equality

Sunraysia Daily

​June 18, 2013, 3:30 a.m.

I’d like to share a story with you regarding my circumstances in relation to public transport in north-west Victoria.  

Isolation: Concern in small towns. 

I’d like to share a story with you regarding my circumstances in relation to public transport in north-west Victoria. 

I live in Ouyen and for me it’s a major issue getting to Melbourne because of mobility issues and the damage a long bus trip causes to my body. 

If I want to get to Melbourne I have to pay between $300 and $400, which includes a return taxi fare from Ouyen to Mildura and airfares so, for me, having access to a passenger train service is essential.

This is just my situation, but what about those who live in communities such as Woomelang, Donald and Birchip who have the same problem as me; they’ve basically been discriminated against since the train was stopped in 1993.

Returning passenger rail to Mildura is not just a public transport issue but also an equality and economic issue.

Disabled people may be a minority­ but people reading this article should understand that disability doesn’t discriminate; anyone can become disabled.

Public transport in north-west Victoria is a complete and utter joke.

It will mean absolutely nothing for people like me if the government takes the easy way out and doesn’t return our passenger rail service and just improves coach services.

 We know there would be costs involved in re-introducing a passenger rail service to Mildura, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. 

It would provide equal access for all in relation to public transport in our region.

Clem Blake

Ouyen