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Public Transport | July 25, 2023

New V/Line ticketing agent for Hamilton

After months of lobbying, Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Emma Kealy is pleased that Slade’s Newsagency in Hamilton will be taking on the role of V/Line ticketing agent, with the service commencing soon.

Ms Kealy has continued to push for a new ticketing agent since the unexpected closure of the V/Line ticket outlet in Hamilton at the start of the year.

Ms Kealy raised the issue in Parliament in February, with the Minister advising that a new agent had not been appointed.

“I have continued to be contacted by a large number of Hamilton and district residents who have been unable to buy a bus ticket locally since the closure of the Hamilton VLine Office,” Ms Kealy said.

“Since then, tickets have needed to be purchased from the V/Line driver when time allows or purchased online, which is simply not possible for some local residents who do not have a computer or the skills required to purchase a ticket online.

“This situation has created much distress and inequity for local residents and while it is good news that we will finally have a local V/Line ticketing again, it is unacceptable that it has taken seven months for this service to be restored in Hamilton, one of our largest regional centres.

“While the announcement of a new ticketing agent is a step in the right direction, the Andrews Labor Government is yet to address the lack of access to public toilets at the Hamilton station, with the nearest public toilets some 400 metres away.

“This is totally unacceptable as these facilities are basically inaccessible for the elderly, those with mobility issues and very young children.

“Public transport services in western Victoria are already extremely limited.

“I am calling on the Minister to direct Public Transport Victoria to ensure local residents are supported to take full advantage of the few services we have and are not further punished by situations like they have experienced this year.”