Power concerns over train line

By Bridget Cook
THE Pakenham train line is in a dangerous state of decay, according to a Department of Transport report.
Freedom of Information documents show that new Melbourne train operator Metro last year warned the Brumby Government about decaying traction power systems.
Shadow Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the latest revelations in Metro’s Asset Management Plan came on top of the report’s comments about passengers in danger of trains derailing or having a ‘catastrophic’ collision with structures.
He said the Pakenham line was one of the major safety risks, and bridges needed urgent replacement or repair.
Gembrook Liberal candidate Brad Battin has called for the State Government to increase funding for infrastructure on the Pakenham railway line following the release of the report.
Mr Battin said the Brumby Government planned to almost double the amount of trains in the future and funding for infrastructure would be needed to cope with the increase.
“The powerlines and signalling systems that run the trains won’t be able to handle the increase,” he said.
“That means there will be a lot of trains in storage yards not doing what they need to do.
“I’m all for increasing the amount of people who can use trains, but they need to increase infrastructure … if they (Brumby Government) don’t increase infrastructure, then they can’t increase patronage on trains.”
Officer resident Tina Copland said her 17-year-old son caught the Pakenham line almost everyday to uni, and she feared for his safety every time he got on the train.
She said she also owned a business near the train station and often experienced fluctuations in power, which she believed were caused by the train system.
“If there’s going to be an increase in trains, there will have to be an increase in power,” she said.
The State Government did not respond to the News inquiries in time for press.