General News
12 March, 2026
Carriage overcrowding must be addressed, MP says
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has raised serious concerns about passenger safety and overcrowding on the Melbourne-Warrnambool rail line in Parliament.
Ms Britnell has called for urgent intervention from the Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams.
She said the Allan Labor Government had cut regional train capacity through the introduction of the modern VLocity trains and service standards have plummeted.
“Reports of aggressive behaviour, substance-affected individuals and frightening on-board incidents are becoming alarmingly common,” Ms Britnell said.
“Young students feel vulnerable, parents are worried about their teenagers travelling alone and passengers are telling me they no longer feel safe – some are now avoiding the service altogether.
“Conductors are doing their best, but have been left without the authority or backup to manage serious incidents.
“The government has not empowered them, nor has it considered deploying Protective Services Officers on long regional routes.”
Ms Britnell said accessibility was also suffering.
“In one case, an elderly woman with a walker was forced to store it in an overhead rack due to inadequate space, relying on strangers for help upon arrival or even to go to the toilet,” she said.
“That is not dignity. That is not accessibility. That is neglect.
“Overcrowding is now the norm.
“Even passengers with allocated seating are finding their seats taken, leaving them to stand for hours or risk confrontation.
“Increasing demand without increasing capacity and safety is irresponsible.”
Ms Britnell said Friday, February 28 had been a notably bad day for passengers when “overcrowding was at boiling point”.
“When asked about this specific day, the government responded with advice of “make a booking”,” she said.
“This just demonstrates just how out of touch this Allan Labor Government is.
“The government is either unaware or ignoring the fact that the booking system is not working.”