FOLLOWING multiple complaints over the closure of the regional V/Line office at the Hamilton Railway Station in January this year, a department representative has said they anticipate appointing a new contractor in the coming months.

Passengers who do not use online booking facilities, or only use cash, were disappointed to learn of the office’s closure, especially the elderly, however, V/Line responded at the time and said the closure was only temporary, and that an alternative venue was being explored.

After several months, one resident who wished to remain anonymous, wrote to the Public Transport minister, Ben Carroll, in early May asking for an update.

A response was received last week from the Department of Transport and Planning, public transport acting chief, Alan Fedda, on behalf of the minister acknowledging the resident’s concerns.

“I acknowledge your concerns about the closure of the ticketing facility at the station and the impact this has had on V/Line passengers in Hamilton,” Mr Fedda said.

The letter stated that following the departure of a staff member from the contractor that ran the V/Line ticket outlet, the contractor advised that it would no longer be operating the ticketing facility.

It said V/Line was in the process of investigating alternative ticketing outlet options to service Hamilton and has sought Expressions of Interest from potential contractors, with a new contractor to be appointed within the next few months.

Mr Fedda’s letter stated that in the meantime, all coaches servicing Hamilton were equipped with ticketing facilities, enabling passengers to purchase a ticket on board and pay with either cash or card.

“In response to your concerns, V/Line has reminded coach drivers about their obligations to sell tickets,” he said.

“This is part of V/Line’s ticketing policy.

“Passengers can also purchase tickets from the V/Line website (vline.com.au/plan-trip-buy-tickets) and either have the ticket mailed to their address or display their confirmation email to the driver on a mobile device.”

Regarding toilet facilities, the letter stated that “the Hamilton station is an unstaffed station”.

“Toilet facilities are only available at staffed stations, where staff can open/close them and maintain cleanliness.

“Regrettably, toilets are not left open while stations are unstaffed due to antisocial behaviour, vandalism and improper usage.

“Some coaches are equipped with toilets and there is a public toilet located 400 metres from Hamilton station which can be used by passengers.

“Thank you for raising this matter.”