Wyndham commuters are enjoying free V/Line trips this week following last week’s widespread train cancellations.
Buses replaced a number of trains along the Geelong line and other V/Line lines across the state last week after wheel faults on VLocity trains resulted in a number of carriages requiring maintenance.
Problems started on January 18 when commuters discovered the 7.16am Wyndham Vale to Southern Cross service had been replaced by an express bus to Southern Cross. The commuters were told by V/Line staff that the service would be out for two weeks.
Last Wednesday alone, 21 train services on the Geelong line were replaced by buses because of wheel wear.
V/Line spokeswoman Ebony Jordan confirmed services had been replaced by buses due to additional maintenance requirements on the VLocity fleet.
“We’re experiencing higher than normal wheel wear rates on some of our VLocity trains, which has meant we have fewer carriages available to operate the timetable and in some cases trains are being replaced by coaches,” Ms Jordan said. “Extra maintenance shifts have been scheduled so trains can return to service as quickly as possible.
“Customers are advised to continue checking the V/Line website for the latest information and there are details about specific services on Twitter. We would like to thank customers for their patience.”
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said V/Line’s “failure to adequately prepare for increased regional services” was an unacceptable and avoidable situation.
She announced that all travel on V/Lines services would be free until January 31.
People who have already paid for tickets are eligible for refunds.
V/Line will roll out a revised timetable for the Geelong line on January 31 to accommodate increased patronage and allow enough time at stations for customers to safely get on and off trains.
CLICK HERE to view the new timetable.
