ALL ABOARD FOR BETTER TRAIN SERVICES

Local travellers are being asked to have their say on train timetables to and from Wagga, as part of advocacy to deliver services at times that might better suit the community. 

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has launched a survey to find out whether current timetables between Wagga and Sydney and Melbourne could be improved. 

"Representations to my office indicate that many people would use the train more often if the timetables were more convenient so I hope this survey will provide data we can use to press for changes that meet community expectations," he said. 

"At a time when households are feeling increased cost of living pressures, I am keen to see whether better train services could help people to get to and from the capitals at more convenient times at a reasonable cost. 

"I have already made it to clear to the government that regional communities should have train services that reflect their needs, just as they do in Sydney, so the survey data will be an important tool to lobby for change." 

Dr McGirr said the inclusion of improved train services in Transport for NSW's Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (STRITP) provided a framework to build upon. 

"The plan provides the foundation for the delivery of transport infrastructure to our region for the next 20 years, so now is the time to ensure the voices of our community are heard," he said. 

"The inclusion of the potential Gobba Bridge duplication in the plan, thanks to more than 10,000 people who signed our petition, was an important milestone for better road transport services in the electorate and now is the time to make sure our needs for future rail services are also considered." 

As the government moves towards introducing new trains and carriages on regional lines, the data from the survey will be used to help local travellers make the most of the new fleet. 

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DrJoeTrainSurvey, or people can call into Dr McGirr's office at 64 Baylis St to fill out a hard copy.