Geelong commuters were left stranded for hours on Tuesday after a major fault on the V/Line train line caused widespread delays and cancellations. The disruption, which began in the morning peak period, affected thousands of passengers travelling to and from Melbourne, leaving many frustrated and angry.
Fault Causes Chaos
The fault occurred on the Geelong line near Little River, causing all services to be halted. V/Line reported that the issue was due to a signal failure, which forced trains to stop and wait for clearance. Passengers on board trains were stuck for up to two hours without updates, while those at stations faced long queues and uncertain wait times.
Passengers Express Frustration
Many commuters took to social media to vent their anger, describing the situation as "unacceptable" and calling for better communication from V/Line. One passenger said, "I've been stuck on this train for over an hour with no information. It's a joke." Another added, "This is the third time this month. V/Line needs to get its act together."
Alternative Transport Arranged
V/Line eventually arranged for buses to replace train services between Geelong and Melbourne, but the buses were slow to arrive and struggled to accommodate the large number of passengers. Some commuters reported waiting over an hour for a bus, while others opted to drive or find alternative routes.
Impact on Commuters
The delays had a ripple effect on commuters' work and personal lives. Many arrived late to work or missed appointments, while parents were unable to pick up children from school on time. The disruption also affected the afternoon peak, with residual delays continuing into the evening.
V/Line Apologises
A V/Line spokesperson apologised for the disruption, stating that the signal failure was unforeseen and that technicians worked to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. "We understand the frustration this has caused and apologise to all affected passengers. We are investigating the cause of the fault to prevent future occurrences," the spokesperson said.
Calls for Improvement
The incident has reignited calls for improved infrastructure and reliability on the Geelong line. Local politicians have urged the state government to invest in upgrades to the signalling system and increase capacity to handle growing demand. Commuters are demanding better contingency plans and real-time updates during disruptions.
As of Tuesday evening, services had resumed but with residual delays. V/Line advised passengers to check the website for updates and allow extra travel time.
