The state government says the reported axing of a planned a new rail line to Wyndham Vale is an ‘Evolving Commitment’ and is not a broken promise.
There had been reports the government scrapped its 2018 promise to free up network bottlenecks by building the new tracks as part of the Western Rail Plan.
Shadow Public Transport Minister Richard Riordan said it was another broken promise by the Andrews government.
“They don’t give two hoots about anybody outside inner metro Melbourne,” he said.
“Particularly those anywhere west of the CBD.”
Local passengers have reacted angrily to reports the new line could be cut for the growing area.
Paul Westcott from the Public Transport Users Association said the duplication was important for Geelong commuters.
“At the moment Geelong trains are also suburban trains for Wyndham Vale, Tarneit and Deer Park,” he said.
“It certainly doesn’t help with overcrowding on Geelong line services.”
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said commitments were evolving over time.
He said the government was going ahead with a budget commitment to put more trains on the Melton line and make that service level-crossing free.
Picture: Wyndham Vale Train Station [Google Maps]
