Through previous letters published in the Bendigo Advertiser, I have tried to alert local state MPs and opposing candidates about the inadequate rail service that has been provided since the opening of the fast rail.

With the first north-bound train arriving in Bendigo at the leisurely time of 8.15am and only two peak-hour trains (4.25pm and 5.18pm), workers living in towns south of Bendigo are severely disadvantaged.

Now I discover that on Fridays V/Line routinely engages a taxi service to convey passengers from Eaglehawk to Bendigo in order to catch the 4.25pm train.

So, not only does Eaglehawk only get two trains per day (one in each direction), but on a Friday taxis are used to prop up this pathetic service.

With an election now weeks away, who will commit to upgrading our V/Line service from something for tourists to something for working people?

Clearly the fast rail was all about jobs in Melbourne for those living between there and Bendigo, and those wishing to work in Bendigo simply don’t count.

This neglect is retarding economic development and jobs in the Bendigo region.

Whichever candidate commits to filling this black hole in transport policy will get my vote.

This is also an opportunity for candidates to show some real green credentials, too.

HANS PAAS,

Castlemaine