LINKING East Richmond railway station to Swan and Church streets should be a budget priority for the state government, a leading transport body states.

Metropolitan Transport Forum made a submission for the government’s 2012-13 budget, asking for $2 million to fast track a raft of upgrades to improve access and safety.

These include: increased signage along Swan Street directing people to the station; real-time timetables along Church and Swan streets; increased lighting in nearby laneways and car parks; and resurfacing or adding speed-reducing devices on Railway Place, Royal Place, Shakespeare and Adolph streets to slow traffic.

The Alamein, Belgrave, Lilydale line trains often pass the station without stopping. The Glen Waverley line stops there regularly. Patrons have long criticised the station’s design, saying it has restricted access for people in wheelchairs and limited lighting.

Yarra City Council is a member of the MTF and supports the submission.

Mayor Geoff Barber said with more people moving into Cremorne and East Richmond, it was inevitable the station would deal with higher demand.

‘‘For a relatively busy inner-city public transport hub, East Richmond station has poor access, is surrounded by narrow streets carrying high volumes of traffic and has a limited amount of useful public space,’’ he said. ‘‘Revitalising the area around the station to make it safer, more accessible and more attractive is a priority for us.’’

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said the station had very basic facilities, despite its inner-city location.

‘‘It is also one of the busiest stations to have no staff presence, and would benefit from more shelter, toilets for passengers, and staff to provide assistance,’’ he said.

The state government will release its budget in May.