Public Transport Victoria will stop train commuters from the recently electrified lines of Sunbury and Pakenham from using V Line trains. As of June 21st 2015 any Sunbury or Pakenham commuter will face hefty fines should they catch these trains as the train will stop at these stations if country people would like to leave the train.

I know other existing train lines have been operating under these restrictions but what I believe is that Public Transport Victoria should create a Peak time and Off Peak Time. Peak time is when the country train is carrying a large number of passengers. During this peak time for work commuters 6.00 am till 10.00 am I understand the reason why these trains are for country people only, as their fares are higher and seats are at a premium HOWEVER in non peak period times between 10.00am and 4.00 pm, six trains go through Sunbury and Pakenham respectively and are usually almost empty. This is when these trains should have no restrictions and no threat of fines.

People living in outer Melbourne suburbs do not have the same timetables as closer Metropolitan trains and can wait at times for at least at 40 minutes between trains. This time would be lessened considerably should they not be prevented from using country trains in off peak times.

I have recently retired, and for the elderly, trains are very important as our way of travel.

To me it seems strange with this new ruling and subsequent fine that this will not encourage train usage for people living in outer Melbourne suburbs and furthermore this is exactly the areas where population growth is now happening.

1.      I ask you to sign this petition as it is the most sensible way to move people from these areas

2.      The elderly will benefit and it is a WIN/WIN situation The country traveller in Peak periods will have what they believe is their entitlement and For Public Transport Victoria trains during off peak period will have far more usage