Public Transport Covid-19: Delays tipped as Transdev, Metro, V-Line, Yarra Trams drivers isolate

More train and tram staff have been struck down by Covid-19 as commuters are warned to brace for weeks of service changes and cancellations due to the virus outbreak.

A driver and staff shortage is hitting Metro Trains and other transport providers due to the spread of Covid-19. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

More train staff have entered isolation as the spread of Covid-19 increases fears of a driver shortage and weeks of public transport chaos across Victoria.

Another 66 Metro Trains staff have been impacted by the virus since Tuesday, bringing the train provider’s tally to 412.

The figure represents 6.3 per cent of Metro’s 6500-strong workforce.

The virus has also impacted Yarra Trams with 144 team members out of action, representing 5.5 per cent of its 2,611 staff.

The Department of Transport warned on Tuesday of service disruptions and cancellations across the network in the coming weeks with a “large number” of drivers and other staff in isolation.

V-Line had 165 staff in isolation and cancelled 11 services across its network on January 11 due to staff availability.

Twenty-four of those staff members are train drivers, with 16 of those based at Southern Cross Station and eight at regional stations.

At least 85 – or eight per cent – of bus drivers from operator Transdev are also isolating across its six Melbourne depots.

Four per cent of Transdev services across its network have been cancelled, with the operator predicting disruptions to continue throughout January.

“The situation continues to evolve, we anticipate driver availability will continue to impact services in the coming weeks,” a Transdev spokesman said.

“The disruption has been spread across our routes to minimise the impact to our customers.”

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said it was “not entirely surprising that Covid impacts are starting to be felt on public transport”.

“As with many workplaces, the number of people isolating is bound to cause issues,” he said.

“We would hope that if any service reductions are required to public transport, they are implemented in an orderly manner, and with plenty of notice given to passengers.”

Patronage on public transport is at 29 per cent of pre-Covid levels.

The department has advised passengers to allow extra travel time and to use the Public Transport Victoria app and website for live service updates.

“The health and welfare of our staff and passengers is our top priority, and public transport operators are working closely with the Department of Transport to ensure any disruption is minimised,” a spokeswoman said.