THE summer schedules of thousands of Maribyrnong commuters could be thrown into chaos following the state government’s decision to intensify Regional Rail Link works over the holiday period.
Buses will replace trains on the Sydenham line between Footscray and Albion from December 28-30 and January 4-13.
V/Line services between Sunbury and Southern Cross will also be affected.
Commuter Samantha Shalders said she would avoid public transport once she returned to work in the second week of January. She said that in the past, replacement buses were less frequent, overcrowded and took much longer to arrive at destinations.
Sunshine pensioner John Kodric said he and his wife used the train at least twice a week. He said that while the inconvenience couldn’t be helped, the government must ensure there were sufficient buses to replace train services.
“A lot of the time when there are replacement buses they don’t come as often, so I just hope they run on time and are reliable,” he said.
“The whole way through this, residents have felt like they haven’t been consulted. They [government] do whatever they want and nobody cares how it affects the people who live here.”
Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the summer works in and around Footscray would include track installation and realignment, bridge modifications, earthworks and station upgrades.
“The construction contractors have already carried out eight scheduled passenger line shutdowns this year in order to complete major construction works,” he said.
“Replacement buses are sometimes necessary so works can be carried out safely along the rail corridor.”
Fix the Links action group spokeswoman Geraldine Brooks said the government should have sent out flyers informing residents.
Ms Brooks said a more pressing concern remained the completion of a noise management plan for construction and for when the railway line was complete.
The government said timetables for replacement buses were still being finalised. It is expected there will be delays to travel times and some passengers will need to travel on a combination of train and bus services.
For details on replacement buses, call 1800 800 007
—Melissa Cunningham
