By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A long-awaited fix for mobile black spots along the Geelong rail line has finally been announced by state government.
An $18 million Regional Rail Connectivity Project promises to fix mobile black spots along the state’s five busiest rail lines.
Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford said the project would to deliver better services for commuters travelling between Melbourne and Geelong.
Ms Pulford said it would put regional rail commuters on equal footing with their city counterparts, bridging the regional connectivity gap.
She said poor mobile coverage affected all passengers but was a particular problem for regular commuters using smart phone, tablets or laptops while traveling to Melbourne for work or study.
Mobile carriers will be asked to co-invest with state government to build phone towers along the route.
Ms Pulford said she hoped construction of the towers would commence in mid-2016.
“I know how intensely frustrating this is for commuters who have work to do, or who want to send a text message or tweet to the world.
“The Labor Government is investing in the future of our regional cities through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, and this project will be a big productivity boost for the state.”
But the state opposition said labelled the project a betrayal because the former Coalition Government announced a $40 million package to fix the problem and deliver free Wi-Fi in 2014.
Shadow Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said Premier Daniel Andrews was betraying regional Victoria by pulling funding on Wi-Fi on V/line trains.
“Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allan must come clean to regional Victorian commuters on where this money is being redirected to.”
