Hallam’s rail ‘raw deal’

By Lia Bichel
HALLAM commuters have been left in the dark as to whether the local train station will receive upgrades which would include increased staffing, better services and improved facilities.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews visited Hallam Railway Station recently and said locals and commuters on the Pakenham Line “have got a raw deal” after the State Government dumped plans to upgrade the Hallam Station to premium status, which would include better facilities.
“The decision by the Baillieu Government to quietly scrap a project has left commuters in the dark about what, if any, improvements to the station will be made. The plan to make Hallam Station a premium station would ensure it was staffed from first train to last, seven days a week,” he said.
“Mr Baillieu was happy to emphasise the importance of station amenity and security in opposition, but has been only too quick to dump a Premium upgrade for Hallam that would have significant improved services and safety for commuters.”
Mr Andrews said hundreds of local residents accessed the train every day. He said while he welcomed the news there would be more Protective Service Officers (PSOs), the PSOs would have no toilet facilities to access in Hallam.
“We have no argument with the PSOs, we want safer and better transportation,” he said. “But it needs to be done properly – there needs to be the right amenities.”
Mr Andrews also said any rhetoric from the government that the station would be staffed by Protective Service Officers from 6pm to last train seven days a week could not be believed until it was seen.
Narre Warren South MP Judith Graley said many Casey residents would be “very disappointed” if the upgrades to the station did not occur.
“It is a busy station,” she said. “It’s critical for commuters that this upgrade at Hallam station goes ahead.
“They were promised better services and safer facilities but will now be left with a train station in limbo. Our plan to upgrade Hallam station was fully funded and would have returned vital ticketing and information services to patrons. Mr Baillieu’s decision to scrap this Labor initiative simply does not make sense.”
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder did not respond to queries before the News went to print.