Everything you need to know about metro and regional train services across the weekend for Taylor Swift concert
All stops are being pulled out to allow the Taylor Swift concert train to continue full steam ahead in Melbourne, amid union threats of Friday strike chaos on the regional railways.
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Industrial action across Victoria’s regional rail network on Friday morning could have “knock-on effects to services throughout the day” causing pain for Taylor Swift concertgoers, a union has warned.
Friday morning commuters are also being told to prepare for chaos, with no trains before 8am and lengthy delays expected.
The Rail, Train and Bus Union (RTBU) on Thursday said a V/Line strike between 3am and 7am “may have an impact on services for fans travelling to Melbourne for the Taylor Swift concert” in the evening.
V/Line operations staff — including conductors, train controllers, station staff, customer service staff and authorised officers — would stop work, “bringing the network to a halt and having a significant impact on services into the afternoon”, the union warned.
The entire V/Line network would be affected, it said.
But V/Line’s chief executive Matt Carrick on Thursday afternoon assured the public their Taylor Swift concert travel plans would not be forced off the rails.
“I want to assure passengers heading to the Taylor Swift concert that V/Line services are expected to return to normal by Friday afternoon,” he said.
“We will have extra services and additional capacity on some lines before and after the concert, and passengers are advised to plan their journeys through the V/Line website. We expect services and stations to be busy so passengers are encouraged to allow extra travel time and thank them in advance for their understanding.”
A VLine spokesman said it would be working to recover services for the Taylor Swift concert following the strike as quickly as possible.
However, Mr Carrick said train passengers were advised to avoid travelling early on Friday and Monday morning — when there would also be strike action — “with no passenger trains expected to run before 8am and significant delays expected during this time”.
There is also expected to be industrial action across the network on Friday February 23.
A very limited coach replacement service will run for essential journeys, with delays of approximately two hours expected and replacement coaches will not stop at Metro train stations.
V/Line regional trains to city amid strike
V/Line would be working hard to get back to its regular timetable after Friday’s strike action, as it was expecting large numbers of passengers for major events, including the Taylor Swift concert at the MCG, a spokesman said.
“There will be additional services and increased capacity on some lines for the concert and passengers are encouraged to visit the V/Line website to check for the latest travel information,” VLine said.
In a statement, the RTBU said it had provided V/Line “with ample notice to have the outstanding matters resolved” and urged those planning to travel to Friday’s Taylor Swift concert from regional areas by train “to make alternative travel arrangements for the day”.
RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma warned: “While the work stoppage is scheduled for 3am to 7am, there will be knock-on effects to services right throughout the day. People from regional areas attending the Taylor Swift concert on Friday night who were planning to travel by V/Line are therefore encouraged to consider alternative travel arrangements if they can.”
He said it was “extremely disappointing” V/Line workers were “being forced” to take industrial action to get their concerns taken seriously.
“V/Line workers are seeking a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement that reflects the rising cost of living and addresses key workplace issues such as job security,” Mr Sharma said.
“This dispute is becoming increasingly disruptive for regional communities. The Allan Labor government is responsible for these disruptions. It needs to take responsibility, respect regional workers, and get this matter resolved.”
Mr Carrick said VLine continued to negotiate with the union in good faith and had made some progress.
“Importantly, we have reached an in-principle agreement with our drivers who will not be taking part in this industrial action,” he said.
“Passengers are advised to keep up to date with the latest travel information on the V/Line website and through our social channels.”
Metro public transport to Swift concerts
A Metro spokesperson said it was running about 150 extra services over three nights to get fans to and from the Swift concerts
All lines that had been impacted by Tuesday’s storms had since resumed regular timetabled services, she said.
Services had resumed on all metropolitan lines with the exception of “some residual disruptions” on the Belgrave line.
“A huge amount of operational planning has been done for the Taylor Swift concerts to ensure Swifties can get to and from the events safely and efficiently,” she said.
“With the weekend packed full of events, Metro will have additional crews stationed around the network providing extra support in the event of any issues. We encourage people to listen to announcements at stations and we will keep our passengers updated with the best travel advice throughout the evening.”
Where possible, planned works had been moved due to the expected impacts of the concerts on the network, she added.
However, critical level crossing removal works would still be going ahead on the Frankston and Belgrave Lines, with replacement buses running on two small sections of the Belgrave line (Ringwood – Bayswater) and Frankston line (Cheltenham - Mordialloc).
Narre Warren, Keon Park, Croydon and Parkdale stations were also closed, and shuttle buses operating to and from the nearest stations, the spokeswoman said.
“Extra shuttle and replacement buses have been scheduled to ensure concertgoers can get to their destinations,” the Metro spokeswoman said.
Swifties given a ticket to ride
It comes after hundreds of additional train services were promised across Melbourne over the weekend, as the masses make their way to popstar Taylor Swift’s three sold-out shows.
With more than 300,000 fans set to pack the MCG across February 16-18 – and thousands more expected to Taylor-gate – many fans questioned whether the city’s rail network would buckle under pressure.
But the state government urged Swifties to put their faith in the city’s public transport, promising a further 150 metro train services and an extended free tram zone to the stadium.
Swifties travelling from Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon and Seymour will have more V/Line services to choose from, as well as increased capacity, before and after the Cruel Summer hit-maker takes to stage.
Several disruptions were expected to impact the city’s train network while Swift is in town; buses were scheduled to replace trains between Ringwood and Bayswater on the Belgrave line, and from Cheltenham and Mordialloc on the Frankston line.
Additional shuttle bus services have also been arranged to transport attendees to nearby stations due to the closure of Narre Warren, Keon Park, Croydon and Parkdale stations.
It comes as final touches to transform the MCG into the Eras Tour get underway, with dozens of crews enlisted to pull off the mammoth task ahead of the popstar’s first show on Friday.
Temporary flooring has since covered the bright green turf which typically greeted crowds, while merchandise tents – soon to be jam-packed with excitable fans – appeared outside.
But just six days out from Swift’s first show, it would appear the venue has stuck to its guns after last week confirming there would be no additional activations for ticketless fans to enjoy.
Those planning to attend – ticketless or not – have been urged to avoid driving to the city amid a slate of planned works and road closures.
Swanston St, between Victoria and Elgin streets, will be closed in both directions, as will Wurundjeri Way between Dudley and Bourke St.
Westbound lanes along Footscray Rd will be closed between Docklands Dr and Water-front Way, while some lanes on the West Gate Freeway will be closed for asphalting.
Minister for Active and Public Transport Gabrielle Williams said she wanted fans to get to and from the Eras Tour as “easily and safely as possible.”
“Taylor Swift’s biggest ever Australian shows will have the same impact on the transport network as three AFL grand finals back-to-back – that’s why we’re encouraging everyone attending to plan ahead and take public transport to get to the ‘G,” she said.
METRO TRAVEL
With no parking available at the MCG, public transport is the best way for Swifties to get to the venue safely and quickly.
> The Free Tram Zone will be extended out to the MCG along routes 48, 70 and 75 from Friday to Sunday, providing easy and free connections to Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations.
> Yarra Trams will run an additional 32 services before and after the concert each day on routes 70/70a stopping at John Cain Arena/Melbourne Park and on Route 48a and 75/75a stopping outside the MCG on Wellington Parade.
> Up to 160 extra Metro train services will be operating across three days. Richmond and Jolimont stations are both a short walk to the MCG.
> Fans can also catch the Route 246 bus which stops on Punt Road near the MCG.
> Additional services will operate or extra capacity will be added to V/Line trains to and from Southern Cross Station on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland and Seymour lines over the three nights.
> Passengers are urged to check the PTV website or mobile app before travelling, as the following planned works may impact journeys.
> Buses replace trains on the Frankston Line between Cheltenham and Mordialloc, due to Level Crossing Removal Project works
> Buses replace trains on the Belgrave Line between Ringwood and Bayswater, due to Level Crossing Removal Project works.
> Trams on routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 12, 16, 30, 35, 64, 67, 72 and 96 operate a shortened service from 3am to the last tram on Sunday, 18 February, due to the St Kilda Festival
> Buses replace Route 86 trams between Clifton Hill Interchange and Bundoora RMIT from 7am to last service Sunday, 18 February, due to the Northcote Rise Festival
> There will be service changes for trams routes 12, 30 and 35 on all days to accommodate extra services to the MCG.
> Concertgoers are advised to get ready for it and plan their journey using the PTV app or website and make sure their Myki is topped up.
> Those coming from regional areas or interstate, can buy a Myki at the PTV super hub at Southern Cross Station near the corner of Spencer and Collins streets.
> The SkyBus runs from Melbourne Airport to Southern Cross Station.
> Motorists should note that Brunton Avenue and Wellington Parade will be closed to traffic before and after the concerts to ensure passengers can safely make their way to and from the MCG.
> A single lane closure will be in place on Punt Road near Yarra Park prior to the concert.
> Drivers travelling in the area are asked to be patient and mindful of additional road and pedestrian traffic caused by the Taylor Swift concert and several other events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
For information about additional services to the event and any planned disruptions to services, please go to ptv.vic.gov.au/taylorswift
REGIONAL TRAVEL
V/Line is running special trains on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February to help fans get to and from the Taylor Swift Eras Tour at the MCG.
FRIDAY FEB 16
Before the concert
Wyndham Vale services (Geelong Line) – two additional Wyndham Vale to Southern Cross trains will depart at 3.05pm and 3.30pm.
Melton service (Ballarat Line) – an additional Melton to Southern Cross train will depart at 4.20pm.
After the concert
Geelong Line – two additional Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds trains will depart at 12.01am and 12.30am.
Ballarat Line – an additional Southern Cross to Wendouree train will depart at 12.12am.
Bendigo Line – an additional Southern Cross to Bendigo train will depart at 12.18am.
Seymour Line – the 11.43pm Southern Cross to Seymour train will depart later at 11.59pm
SATURDAY FEB 17
Before the concert
Geelong Line – an additional Waurn Ponds to Southern Cross train will depart at 4.30pm.
After the concert
Geelong Line – two additional Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds trains will depart at 11.58pm and 12.30am.
Wyndham Vale service – an additional Southern Cross to Wyndham Vale train will depart at 12.22am.
Ballarat Line – an additional Southern Cross to Wendouree train will depart at 12.01am.
Bendigo Line – an additional Southern Cross to Bendigo train will depart at 12.19am.
Seymour Line – the 11.45pm Southern Cross to Seymour train will depart later at 11.59pm
SUNDAY FEB 18
Before the concert
Geelong Line – an additional Waurn Ponds to Southern Cross train will depart at 4.30pm.
After the concert
Geelong Line – two additional Southern Cross to Waurn Ponds trains will depart at 12.01am and 12.30am.
Wyndham Vale services – two additional Southern Cross to Wyndham Vale trains will depart at 11.55pm and 12.23am.
Ballarat Line – two additional Southern Cross to Wendouree trains will depart at 12.05am and 12.20am.
Bendigo Line – one additional Southern Cross to Bendigo train will depart at 12.15am.
Seymour Line – one additional Southern Cross to Seymour train will depart at 11.59pm.
Gippsland Line – one additional Southern Cross to Traralgon train will depart at 11.55pm.
The best way to get to the MCG from Southern Cross
transfer to a Metro Trains service to either Jolimont or Richmond stations, you can either;
– Catch a Mernda or Hurstbridge line train to Jolimont Station which is directly outside the MCG or a Lilydale, Belgrave, Frankston or Glen Waverley line train to Richmond Station.
You can also catch a tram on;
– Route 70 or 75 tram from Stop 1 on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets
– Route 48 tram from stop D14 from the corner of Spencer and Collins Streets.
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