Nats plan to slash V/Line costs

By Bianca Hall

Oct 14, 2022

Welcome reprieve: Annabelle Cleeland supports the Nationals’ plan to slash travel costs.

In the lead-up to the Victorian election, Nationals candidate for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has been travelling around the electorate trying to understand what would provide residents with immediate relief from the increasing cost of living.

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She believes that halving the cost of V/Line train fares would ease financial pressure experienced by families and lead to substantial weekly savings for many.

“It’s not financially viable if you have in the family more than two people,” Ms Cleeland said.

“For an adult taking a return trip to Melbourne from Seymour this amounts to a saving of nearly $20 and a family of two adults and two kids will have an extra $50 in their pocket,” Ms Cleeland said.

“A lot of people in our community can’t afford to drive at the moment with petrol prices”

She has heard from those travelling to Melbourne for specialist healthcare, and Wangaratta for TAFE, particularly those on apprentice wages for whom the policy would help cut their living expenses.

“This will make it more affordable for Seymour locals to travel by train for work or leisure, whether it is going to Melbourne for a doctor’s appointment or balancing a hybrid working environment,” she said.

Under the plan, refunds will also be issued to commuters if their train is cancelled and replaced by a coach.