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FOR the second year running, Bendigo’s V/Line train service will be replaced with road coaches during the Victorian Seniors Festival, a time when seniors are given eight days of free public transport.
The outcome has left some frustrated, as the free travel is often used to attend appointments in Melbourne and the coaches are seen as a deterrent to travel.
Dave and Julie Koch, of Bendigo, were among those feeling let down by the lack of trains, and believed the coaches limited the mobility for some seniors while the Southern Cross coach terminal was confusing.
The couple said it could discourage some from making the trip.
“Buses will be used instead but for the elderly on walking frames, sticks et cetera, it is not always possible or comfortable to access buses for a long trip,” Mr Koch said.
“Many elderly citizens use this free Victorian travel week to take an affordable break or attend medical appointments.”
The trains will be taken offline on the Bendigo line from October 4 to 30 as major works take place to remove two level crossings at St Albans. The Bendigo line will also undergo routine maintenance.
The line was already closed from Sunbury for the construction of new stations at St Albans and Ginifer, with coaches taking Bendigo travelers the rest of the way to Melbourne.
Victorian public transport minister Jacinta Allan said travelers should allow an extra 60 minutes travel time during the period.
Speaking earlier in September, Ms Allan said it made sense to complete the level crossing removal at the same time as the new train stations were built to minimise delays.
Regular public transport user Anne Jones said the coach terminal at Southern Cross was not ideal for seniors.
“It’s not a very welcoming arrival place, it’s a bit of a walk for us to get out,” she said.
“At least we’re prepared for it this time, as long as they are well organised and people get the assistance they need.”
The Victorian Seniors Festival runs from October 2 to 9, and includes a range of events in Bendigo and other parts of the state.