In State Parliament recently, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan followed her colleague, the Regional Development Minister, in stating that the north-east line is getting new trains.
Ms Ryan said the admission by Ms Allan that the Victorian Government had finally agreed to buy new trains for the north-east line was a huge win for local communities, after years of lobbying.
‘‘I was pleased Ms Allan recognised my relentless advocacy on behalf of my constituents to secure these much-needed new trains, but what we really need is full details on exactly what and when the Andrews Government is going to deliver,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s hard to trust the government when budget papers and Labor’s pre-election commitment to new rolling stock made it clear all of these trains were bound for the Geelong and Ballarat lines.’’
Ms Ryan said despite Ms Allan saying new trains were destined for the north, a significant amount of time had passed since the state budget and the Victorian Government still hadn’t given any details.
‘‘We still don’t know how many of the new trains will be delivered for the north-east line, how many carriages these trains will have and whether there will be the same number or more services for passengers,’’ she said.
‘‘And we need to know how many carriages these trains will have and whether the design includes a buffet service and room for luggage.
‘‘It’s concerning the government has refused to provide any of these details when the government’s commitment to new trains is not detailed in the budget.’’