By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
TRANSPORT Minister Jacinta Allan has responded to questions about commuter safety under the government’s new 24-hour public transport trial.
The ‘Homesafe’ trial came under fire from Liberal MPs Brad Battin and Brian Paynter after it was announced that Protective Services Officers would only patrol premium stations throughout the night, leaving passengers disembarking at Cardinia Road station unprotected.
Ms Allan says that a mobile squad of transit police will patrol all 15 train lines and non-premium stations, including Cardinia Road.
She also said that nearby Pakenham station would provide a manned alternative for Cardinia commuters concerned about their safety.
“PSOs will be stationed at Pakenham Station all night, transit police will patrol across the network, including Cardinia Road station, and there is extensive CCTV coverage across the network to keep people safe,” she said.
“Homesafe is about getting people in Pakenham, Cardinia and across Victoria home safer and sooner.”
Other security measures at Cardinia Road station would include CCTV coverage and an emergency button.
