This article appeared in this week’s Cobram Courier.
Transport discussed
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Options for improving public transport between Cobram, Numurkah and Shepparton were discussed at a public transport forum in Cobram at the weekend.
The forum, led by Shivaan Bardolia of the University of Melbourne, was part of a study into public transport in the region.
State Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said reinstatement of rail services was one of the options to be considered.
This is the first step in what will be a long process in determining the best way forward for the area, he said.
We need to determine the cost of reinstating the line and this may be reliant on a growth in population.
It was pointed out we need a service people will use. We have an ageing population and it was discussed that by 2030 some 65 per cent of the population in this area will be over 65.
As people age, they are less likely to drive to Melbourne and they need access to a high standard, safe, and reliable public transport service.
Mr McCurdy said one of the difficulties with the current coach service, which starts in Griffith, is that when it arrives in Cobram many of the passengers are asleep and new passengers find it embarrassing to wake people so they can access a seat.
It was claimed that at times passengers are required to stand from Cobram to Shepparton, because the coach is over full
Elderly people, and those with disabilities, often have difficulty in actually accessing the coach, Mr McCurdy said.
Concerns were also expressed at the lack of shelter and public toilet facilities at the Cobram Station, which serves as the coach stop.
Getting the trains back is only one part of the strategy . . . what we are looking for is better public transport services in the Cobram and Numurkah regions.
To participate in the study phone the electorate office at 15 Murphy St, Wangaratta 3677, or email tim.mccurdy@parliament.vic.gov.au
