Ballarat train timetables will be reviewed after a Brimbank politician raised commuter frustration in parliament last week.
Member for Kororoit Marlene Kariouz had called on the Minister for Public Transport to sort out severe traffic congestion at a Deer Park railway crossing on August 6.
Traffic at Station Road has increased by 34 per cent over the past decade, according to Brimbank council’s transport priorities report.
“Since the completion and opening of the Regional Rail Link, the boom gates at the Deer Park railway crossing are down for lengthy periods, causing a backlog of traffic and driver frustration, and other safety issues,” Ms Kariouz said.
“I have had a number of emails from constituents regarding the long waits they are experiencing since the opening of the regional rail link.
“I note the minister has asked Public Transport Victoria and V/Line to review the timetable for the Ballarat line after the opening of the Regional Rail Link.
“As part of this I ask the minister to investigate what options are available to address traffic congestion at the Deer Park railway crossing in Station Road, Deer Park, caused by the railway gates being down for long periods of time.”
Brimbank council’s transport report stated the extra Regional Rail Link services had placed “greater pressure on this crossing”.
“Since 2000, there have been more than 90 reported collisions or near misses at crossings in Brimbank, including six fatalities. These problems will only continue to increase given the growth in the west.”
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the scheduling of services through Deer Park is being considered as part of a review by Public Transport Victoria and V/Line of the Ballarat line timetable.
“The Station Road crossing has not been identified for removal in the first 50, but will be considered in the future as part of our focus on better roads, better public transport and safer communities through the removal of dangerous and congested level crossings,” Ms Allan said.
