Bass MP Ken Smith said the rail service was unreliable, infrequent and inadequate, stations were undermanned, trains were crowded, and a new station at Lakeside was a priority.

"The current and potential passenger needs are being ignored."

Mr Smith said overcrowding had forced many Cardinia commuters to use V-Line services, and additional morning and afternoon peak time trains were needed.

"Trains from Melbourne to Traralgon pass through designated stops because they are packed to the gunnels with passengers from Pakenham."

Mr Smith said Cardinia needed more buses, including an extended NightRider service to Pakenham, more car parking, more staff and better security.

Eastern Region MP Edward O'Donohue last week presented Parliament with an additional 300signatures from residents calling on the Government to build a Lakeside station.

He said the Government had missed the perfect opportunity to bring forward the construction date following planning approval of the Cardinia Road Precinct Structure Plan.

"The area is rapidly growing, yet there is no commitment by the State Government to provide Cardinia Road residents with access to the metropolitan rail network before 2016."

A spokesperson for Transport Minister Lynne Kosky did not respond to Journal queries before deadline.