Thousands of commuters have said “enough is enough” by signing a petition calling better services on the South Coast line, according to a Wollongong MP.
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In September Labor’s transport spokeswoman Jodi McKay tabled the petition with more than 10,000 signatures calling for the government “to immediately commit to planning and funding the upgrade of the South Coast rail line, particularly between Kiama and Bomaderry”.
Because the petition had more than 10,000 signatures it automatically triggered a debate in state parliament.
Ms McKay said South Coast commuters were “frustrated” because they had been “neglected” by the government.
"Trains are infrequent, as we know,” Ms McKay said in parliament.
READ MORE: MIxed messages on South Coast upgrades
“They are often overcrowded and delayed, leaving commuters feeling as they have no other option but to drive.
“Even if they decide to catch the train, it is a constant gamble whether they will have a seat or whether the train will arrive on time.”
Wollongong MP Paul Scully said the more than 10,000 people who signed the petition were saying “enough is enough on the South Coast rail line”.
Mr Scully said the government had scrapped rail services among other problems with transport in the region.
“They are the same mob who wanted to put full charges on the free Gong Shuttle but then had to back down,” Mr Scully said.
Even if they decide to catch the train, it is a constant gamble whether they will have a seat.
- Labor Transport spokeswoman Jodi McKay
“After two years of fighting the community in the Illawarra over four more carriages on two afternoon services, they finally relented.
“After telling us that there were no carriages left anywhere on the CityRail network they had to relent because they knew they could not withstand the pressure any more.”
READ MORE: Govt MP seeks solutions to crowded trains
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said Ms McKay and Labor had said “FU to the F6”, over their decision to lean towards rail upgrades.
“We need both projects,” Mr Ward said. “We need investments in rail and in road.
“I have to say I am disappointed for the 25,000 people – and that number is growing – who drive from the Illawarra to Sydney every day.”