Train delays from Melbourne CBD to Geelong cause commuter chaos

The reason for major delays that saw commuters returning to Geelong from the Melbourne CBD has been revealed.

Train issues in Melbourne are spelling commuter chaos back to Geelong. Picture: Supplied

Commuters returning to Geelong from the Melbourne CBD are facing lengthy delays on Wednesday afternoon, with “rail equipment fault” to blame.

It’s understood Geelong and Ballarat lines are disrupted due to the issue at Ardeer.

One commuter said it was “pandemonium”, with people instructed to travel from Southern Cross station to Sunshine station.

The commuter said one train from Southern Cross to Sunshine station was so full it couldn’t stop in the City Loop. Picture: Supplied

They said bus replacements were running from Sunshine.

“There’s been useless communication to frontline staff,” the commuter said.

“There’s no co-ordination with MTM staff.

“This has been directly caused by lack of investment in key locations.

“It highlights the urgent need for Geelong to be separated from the Wyndham corridor.”

It’s understood trains were beginning to resume from 5.45pm.

However the commuter said it was still “madness”, with “thousands stranded”.

A V/Line spokesman said: “We sincerely apologise to passengers and thank them for their patience after Ballarat and Geelong line services were disrupted due to broken rail in a busy section of track at Ardeer this afternoon.”

“Safety is our number one priority and crews were immediately deployed to the site and worked as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs so trains could resume running at reduced speeds through the section of track.”

On the Public Transport Victoria site, passengers were advised that due to a “rail equipment fault” at Sunshine, passengers travelling on the Geelong and Ballarat lines from Southern Cross and Footscray, they should board metro train services to Sunshine.

Platforms were overflowing at Sunshine station, the commuter said. Picture: Supplied

Trains have resumed running on the Ballarat and Geelong lines following the major disruptions caused by a broken rail at Ardeer.

Crews worked to complete the necessary repairs to enable trains to resume running through the section of track at reduced speeds, with services resuming after it was certified safe.

Service changes are being communicated to passengers via the V/Line website, V/Line app, social media and announcements.

Passengers can also call 1800 800 007 or speak to a staff member for travel information.

For more information visit ptv.vic.gov.au

Originally published as Train delays from Melbourne CBD to Geelong cause commuter chaos