John Condon, 70, who has lost the use of one arm and the ability to walk following a stroke, was travelling from Clunes to Ballarat for a medical appointment.

“The driver said he would organise a maxi cab for me,” Mr Condon said. “After waiting an hour and twenty minutes I rang the (taxi) number and the fella at the end of the line said the maxi cab hadn’t even been ordered.” 

After similar instances last year, V/Line visited Mr Condon and approved his four-wheel mobility scooter. 

While he had since purchased a three-wheel scooter, Mr Condon said he made sure it was compliant with V/Line specifications and had all the appropriate anchor points. 

“I find the three-wheel easier to manoeuvre in the shops and use on the (city centre) buses,” he said. 

“I think V/Line should have more services, but I also think the bus should cater for all scooters. The train leaves too early and doesn’t get back until after six, so it’s a long day. That’s why I think nobody uses the service along the line, because it’s all too hard. It’s just beyond belief.”

Daughter Selena said one of her biggest concerns was the thought of her father travelling and then being left stranded in another town. 

“I am concerned about how elderly and regional people are able to keep their independence and travel into bigger towns if it be for medical appointments or just for shopping,” she said. 

“It took a long time after dad’s strokes for him to build his confidence to leave our local town and make his way around Ballarat.”

V/Line spokesperson Catalina Filip said the incident was “disappointing”. 

"We've worked closely with this passenger in the past, to ensure they can safely catch our coach services with their mobility aid, and our coach general manager will be in touch with them to discuss this incident and work out a solution,” she said.

"We want services to be safe and accessible, so all our passengers can get where they need to go."

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