Unqualified driver sparks major train delays on Pakenham line
Frustrated commuters were hit with delays on the Pakenham line after an unqualified driver was unable to operate a train over a newly built bridge.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Frustrated commuters were hit with major delays on the Pakenham line after an unqualified driver was unable to drive a train over a newly built bridge.
Commuters faced delays up to 45 minutes on Tuesday when a train came to a halt in Hallam around 6.30am due to “operational issues”.
It’s believed the driver wasn’t qualified to navigate the train over a bridge so another driver was called in to finish the job.
The Herald Sun understands the incident took place near a level crossing that had recently been removed at Hallam Rd.
Boom gates at the road were taken away on March 17, meaning the level crossing had only just become operational for everyday services.
It is also believed confusion about the need for a pilot driver was sparked after V/Line staff had noted a Metro train on the same railway line had two drivers up front.
In deleted tweets, Metro Trains said the driver wasn’t “conversant with new infrastructure” after recent works.
“Unfortunately a V/Line driver is not passed (sic) in the new infrastructure and will need a qualified driver to assist,” it said.
Within the rail industry, new tracks, bridges and trains are often required to be repeatedly tested and used before they can receive passengers.
In some cases, each driver may be required to have already travelled along a new rail corridor before taking passengers so that they know about speed restrictions and bends in the track.
Victoria’s High Capacity Metro Trains must complete hundreds of hours of testing before they are deemed safe for regular service.
Angry commuters said little information was given at the station, with many turning to social media for updates.
“It’s just outrageous,” Johanna Schick said.
“Buses yesterday worked great, back to issues all over again this morning.”
Kon Mellas said the delays were a “joke”.
“What type of an excuse is this?” he said.
“How can an unqualified driver end up on a train when they aren’t actually qualified?”
Buses replaced trains between Berwick and Dandenong with delays clearing around 8.30am.
A V/Line spokesman said trains resumed as normal following the “operational error”.
The Herald Sun understands V/Line will complete a full investigation into what exactly led to the incident.
