Calls for buffet facilities on V/Line rail services between Bairnsdale and Melbourne have been renewed.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, told Parliament last week, it was a basic amenity, and it would be an embarrassment if a simple provision that was available to passengers 40 years ago, was lost.

“I travelled to Melbourne recently on the train and was lucky enough to have one of the increasingly rare services that have the buffet car, and it was well used and appreciated.

“The irony is that some train travellers are not wanting the old N class carriages that have the buffet facilities replaced by the new VLocity carriages, as they will lose it,” Mr Bull said.

Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Matthew Guy, said Gippslanders are travelling some of the longest distances in Australia without a regular rail buffet service, which shows the government’s disregard for country travellers.

“The Liberals and Nationals believe Gippslanders deserve a proper buffet service on VLocity trains as well as reclining seats, sunshades and, at minimum, the same service that diesel hauled trains provided.

“We should not be going backwards in the services we offer,” he said.

Caption: Nationals MP Tim Bull, with Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Matthew Guy, discussing the importance of having buffet facilities on all V/Line rail services on the Bairnsdale line.

Monday, 23 October 2023