Deputy leader of the Nationals and state member for Euroa Steph Ryan recently underlined the funds V/Line has spent on taxi rides for transporting passengers whose train has been broken down or delayed.

Along with the Ballarat and Ararat - Maryborough lines, $63,270 have been spent on these taxi rides between July 2018 and November 2019.

"People travelling on the Ballarat or Ararat to Maryborough lines deserve a reliable, fast, modern," Ms Ryan said.

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"It's not good enough for country people not to be able to arrive to work or medical appointments on time or for our access to further education and training to be hampered by a train network that doesn't get us where we need to be."

The Murray Basin Freight Rail Project was set to include the Ararat - Maryborough line resealing when it was first announced in 2014.

The project was joint-funded by state and federal government and was initially meant to be completed before the end of 2018 but has faced numerous delays and funding difficulties.

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Earlier in the year, Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Harrison said a revival of the project would benefit the community by easing local roads' pressure.

"Many of Ararat Rural City's local roads are main freight routes due to a lack of alternative infrastructure," he said.

"The delayed Murray Basin Freight Rail project could greatly alleviate the strain on our local roads."

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