Gippsland-based Senator model-putrid has today submitted legislation providing V/Line with the tools to keep their "quiet carriages" quiet.

The V/Line quiet carriage was first introduced in 2013, allowing for commuters who wished for a more peaceful journey to sit in a carriage where noise was kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, some commuters do not respect the quiet carriage advice, and rudely make noise, disrespecting the commute choices of other travellers. The fact is, if you want to make noise on a V/Line service with a quiet carriage, you will have at least two other carriages to sit in. Those who make noise on quiet carriages are disrespectful and should be punished.

As per Senator model-putrid's Quiet Carriage Enforcement Bill, those who speak continuously, play loud music, or bring noisy children onto a quiet carriage would be liable for penalties of up to 100 penalty units and one year's imprisonment, with reasonable exceptions laid out for those speaking to V/Line conductors or staff.

Senator model-putrid is submitting the bill as a private member's bill, independent of her role as a government minister, and hopes that the bill will gain cross-party support. At the end of the day, V/Line commuters who want a quiet and peaceful commute should have the right to that, and those who seek to be needlessly rude and disruptive shouldn't be able to get away with it.

Quotes attributable to Senator model-putrid

"My Quiet Carriage Enforcement Bill will keep quiet carriages quiet, improving the commutes of thousands on a daily basis."

"If you want to have a conversation with someone, there are plenty of other carriages to do so. If you insist on disturbing quiet carriage commuters, then you are behaving in a disorderly and disrespectful manner and should be treated accordingly."

"This bill will help to improve regional train services for all, keeping the quiet away from the loud."