Council
29 January, 2026
MP renews calls for extra train seats
MEMBER for South West Coast Roma Britnell has renewed calls to increase the carriages on the Warrnambool line after a commuter shared a disappointing experience with her.
Ms Britnell said Allan Labor Government’s decision to boast about a modernised train service since the introduction of VLocity trains, and to make it free on weekends throughout summer, was unravelling, with significant disruption occurring for commuters.
Ms Britnell said the chaos was entirely predictable, given the government’s refusal to address the chronic capacity issues on the Warrnambool line.
“The government has added a service without adding the carriages needed to support it,” she said.
“A three-carriage train on a heavily used regional line is completely inadequate, and the Allan Labor Government knows it.”
Ms Britnell said she has repeatedly called for six-carriage trains to be deployed to meet demand, ensure passengers can be seated and prevent unsafe overcrowding.
“I have been warning for months, most recently in Parliament on November 18, that demand is outstripping supply and that standing passengers on regional trains is dangerous,” she said.
“Labor ignored those warnings – and on the weekend a commuter experienced exactly what I predicted.”
Ms Britnell said a commuter had shared their experience with her.
“Booked today to go to Melbourne on an unreserved service,” they said.
“Upon arrival, the three carriages were already full.
“We were told a bus had been arranged for excess passengers – but one was also full, so V/Line had to put on a second bus to Geelong.
“It’s just so poor that we can’t even travel to Melbourne on a train.
“If they knew the service was heavily booked, why not add more carriages?”
Ms Britnell said the incident highlights both poor planning and a serious safety concern.
“This kind of chaos is not only unsafe – it leaves a terrible impression on tourists visiting South West Coast,” she said.
“Labor is busy congratulating itself, while passengers are left standing, pushed onto buses, or unable to travel at all.”
Ms Britnell called on the Victorian Government to urgently increase capacity by adding extra carriages and to stop prioritising headline grabbing announcements over proper planning.
“Victorians don’t need gimmicks,” she said.
“They need a transport system that works, is safe and is planned properly.”
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