The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says additional V/Line coach services to Melbourne from Yarram and Leongatha will commence in 2025.
Details for the timetable of these additional services, promised in the 2024-2025 State Budget are yet to be finalised and Mr O’Brien is asking Gippslanders to contribute to the discussion.
“I recently wrote to the Minister for Public and Active Transport to seek answers on when the new services to Yarram via Leongatha will be available,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Minister has indicated that the additional coaches will commence in 2025 and that the scope for the timetable changes is yet to be determined.
“While it’s frustrating that the Government has not provided any detail, I am encouraging those who are likely to utilise these new services to ensure they are part of the discussion by letting me know what scheduling they feel would be most beneficial to the community.”
Mr O’Brien said commuters traveling from Yarram to Leongatha and beyond currently have just three coach services available with four return options on weekdays and just three on weekends.
“Depending on the day of the week, the first coach leaves Yarram sometime between 6-7am, a second mid-morning and the third mid-afternoon.
“The earliest coach travelling from Leongatha towards Yarram is after 11am, with afternoon services differing depending on the day of the week. A late coach departing Leongatha around 9pm is available on weekdays only.
“I would be interested to hear from the local community on how they use the current services as well as how they may benefit from additional services depending on the finalised timetabling.”
Mr O’Brien said while he was pleased by the announcement of these additional services for the Yarram community, he would continue to champion calls for a bus service between Yarram and Sale.