“It’s a shame we have to use taxpayer funds to clean up this sort of mess,” said Mr Brown.

“The money could be going to better things in the area of public transport.

“Nevertheless, the community is concerned about rail safety and cleanliness. This shows that the issues that get raised get dealt with.”

Mr Brown said that the money had been set aside and would be progressively spent on contractors as needed.

Bomaderry station manager, Graham Duke, said that he welcomed the $1 million, adding staff were currently “working hard” on graffiti.

He said large crowds using the trains over the holiday period may signal a change in habits among consumers.

“We would always love to see extra services, as the trains are definitely getting busier. We noticed numbers climb when petrol was expensive, but now petrol has gone down and we are still seeing higher numbers.”

Mr Brown believed rail services to the Shoalhaven were adequate at the present time.

“We are seeing on-time running on our line, new trains with toilets replacing the old Tangaras, and safer, cleaner, newer trains,” said Mr Brown.

“The trains are there – maybe if more people caught them there’d be more trains.”