Support program to aid passengers at Geelong train station

PASSENGERS needing extra help to move around Geelong Station now have access to a volunteer support program aimed at improving accessibility at the busy transport hub.

The service, delivered by Travellers Aid, will assist people to change platforms, find coach and bus bays, access taxi ranks and car drop-off points, and manage luggage.

Support is also available for people who use wheelchairs or who are blind or have low vision.

Travellers Aid is available to passengers of all ages and abilities and will operate Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm, with a marked Travellers Aid accessible pick-up and drop-off point for cars to also be introduced at the station.

Travellers Aid Australia chief executive Elias Lebbos welcomed the service’s expansion into Geelong.

“We’re proud to be expanding our services to Geelong and look forward to continuing our partnership with V/Line to support the local community,” he said. “We’re calling for staff and volunteers to join our team. If you would like to help make a positive difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.”

The Victorian government invests more than $500,000 each year to support Travellers Aid, which already operates regionally at the Ballarat and Seymour train stations, and at Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations in Melbourne.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the added support would make a difference for local travellers.

“Travellers Aid will improve the experience for passengers at Geelong Station, one of the busiest on the V/Line network, by assisting them to travel between train, coach and bus services,” she said.