Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath wants a guarantee that Gippsland's V/Line rail service will be fully reinstated following the current winter shutdown.
The Nationals' member has written to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams seeking a concrete guarantee services will be reinstated, saying there was genuine concern Gippsland may lose its direct passage to Southern Cross Station as newly released metro train routes highlight significant track changes when the metro tunnel finally opens.
"The map appears to indicate the Pakenham line will no longer travel to Southern Cross or Richmond stations.
"The Gippsland train has traditionally followed the Pakenham line and terminated at Southern Cross Station.
"Residents are questioning whether their V/Line service will terminate earlier than Southern Cross Station," she said.
Ms Bath said after 10 years of delays, bus replacements, poor punctuality, and a lack of communication, locals were understandably disillusioned.
"The forced disembarkation at the East Pakenham interchange imposed upon Traralgon line passengers during the Metro Tunnel works is inadequate and poorly conceived.
"It has significantly increased travel time, disadvantaging workers, students, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
"It is unacceptable that the journey to the city now takes three and a half hours on a good day.
"It is reasonable for locals to expect improved connectivity and enhanced accessibility from their regional train service to access jobs, education, and healthcare in the city. Quality regional rail helps our economy grow, delivers social benefits, increases tourism visitation, and removes road congestion.
"Minister Williams must give eastern Victorian passengers a concrete guarantee that they will have a reliable, punctual and direct V/Line train service to Southern Cross Station into the future," Ms Bath said.
Passengers currently face ongoing rail disruptions until August 13 as works continue as part of the Gippsland line upgrade.
A number of timetables will operate throughout the period, rotating through different day and night schedules. At times, Traralgon line passengers will use a Metro trains service for connection to the Melbourne central business district and suburban stations along the Pakenham Line.