Major parties will not commit to South Coast rail upgrades

For people travelling by train on the NSW south coast, the experience today is the same as it was for passengers in 1893.

The diesel section of the South Coast line between Bomaderry and Kiama has long been a bugbear for residents.

Improving the line has been a political football.

The NSW government's $60 billion Sydney Metro has heightened disparate spending on rail in the regions, and with a by-election looming, it has once again emerged as a key issue.

Both major parties have blamed each other for the lack of upgrades during recent visits to Kiama, however, neither has made a firm commitment to upgrading the line if elected.

In its absence, other candidates are promising to advocate for change.

"They [Kiama residents] have spoken pretty loudly and clearly that they want regular an