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Public Transport | February 20, 2023

Kealy calls for new Hamilton V/Line ticketing agent

Member for Lowan and Deputy Leader of the Nationals Emma Kealy has called on the Minister for Public Transport to reveal the government’s plans for a new V/Line ticketing office in Hamilton.

Ms Kealy raised the issue in Parliament earlier this month after her office was inundated with calls from distressed locals following the surprise closure of the existing office.

Ms Kealy said the permanent closure of the office would not only result in a loss of jobs locally, but more importantly a loss of service for local people.

“The sudden closure of the Hamilton ticketing office is already negatively affecting users. The elderly and those with mobility issues are particularly affected and are finding it extremely difficult having to wait in a que to buy their tickets off the bus driver who now has the added job of selling tickets as well as attending to other patrons and their luggage,” Ms Kealy said

“There is an extremely tight turnaround timeframe at the stop and there is simply not enough time for bus drivers to sell all the tickets required, load luggage and help people who need assistance onto the bus ready for departure.”

Ms Kealy said a similar situation occurred in April 2021 with the closure of the Horsham V/Line ticketing office.

“It was only after huge community outcry that Labor acted to find another agent, with the Horsham Library eventually stepping up and taking on the role early in 2022, some nine months later.

“Western Victoria is already severely disadvantaged in terms of public transport.

“I am calling on the Andrews Labor Government to act quickly to appoint a new V/Line ticketing agent in Hamilton to ensure the limited public transport services we do have are not reduced even further,” she said.