Member for Eastern Victoria region Harriet Shing MP today welcomed the announcement that 24 hour weekend public transport is coming to regional Victoria. From 1 January 2016, the Andrews Labor Government will trial all-night weekend public transport and delivering a key election commitment in the process.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan and Minister for Police Wade Noonan have outlined details of the one-year Homesafe trial, which will provide all-night public transport to the suburbs and regional areas on weekends.

To assist travellers to Gippsland, V/Line coaches will depart from Southern Cross Station at around 2am, bound for Traralgon. The coaches will provide a mix of express and stopping services.

During the trial, all-night weekend metropolitan trains will also depart from Flinders Street Station every 60 minutes on all lines except Stony Point and Flemington Racecourse.

To support Homesafe, the Government has given Victoria Police funding for 171 extra transport security officers – 109 Protective Services Officers and 62 transit police.

The roving transit police will patrol all train lines throughout the night on weekends and use divisional vans to transport alleged offenders or travel quickly to where they are needed.

If successful, 24-hour weekend public transport trial will be continued and expanded where necessary.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Gippsland Region, Harriet Shing

“Gippslanders living along the Traralgon line will be able to enjoy Melbourne’s great night life or end a late-night shift, and then have a safe and affordable way to get home using public transport.”

“Through the Homesafe trial, Andrews Labor Government is providing more frequent and accessible public transport for regional Victorians, including those who live in Gippsland.”