Buses replace trains as Melbourne train network upgrade ramps up

Melbourne rail commuters will be shuffled onto replacement buses in January as the train network’s biggest ever upgrade of power, signalling and communications ramps up. See which lines will be affected.

Rail commuters will be shuffled onto replacement buses from Wednesday as the summer’s intensive infrastructure building program swings into action.

The biggest ever upgrade of the network’s power, signalling and communications is ramping up, as Melbourne Metro tunnel construction continues.

The major upgrades, to make way for high-capacity trains to enter service, will disrupt trains on 10 metropolitan and four regional lines.

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Replacement buses are shuttling passengers between the city and Westall on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines for the first fortnight of the new year.

Buses are also running between Flinders St Station and Moorabbin.

Coaches are replacing trains on the entire Gippsland line; passage is free of charge.

Works will also affect passengers on the Sandringham line from Wednesday until Sunday. Those heading to the beach can catch replacement bus services between Flinders St and Elsternwick.

Overnight and weekend work will also bite on the Belgrave, Lilydale, Glen Waverley, Alamein, Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines throughout January.

The biggest ever upgrade of the network’s power, signalling and communications is ramping up, as Melbourne Metro tunnel construction continues. Picture: Tony Gough

New Public Transport minister Melissa Horne urged passengers to be patient during the summer disruptions.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience as we get these works done, which will deliver more reliable services and pave the way for the Metro Tunnel,” she said.

Last month, the State Government encouraged public transport commuters to plan ahead, warning the impending works could result in delays of up to 75 minutes.

More than 300 replacement buses will transport passengers across the state in the first fortnight of January.

Buses will run along tram route 75. Maintenance is being done between Warrigal and Camberwell Roads from Thursday until January 12.

From January 12-27, coaches will run instead of V/Line trains along all or part of the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines.

Acting Premier Tim Pallas said the major upgrades had been timed to coincide with many Victorians’ “well-earned break” over summer.

“This is part of the biggest infrastructure program our state has ever seen,” he said.

“We’re not just building the rail and road projects that will get people where they need to go sooner,” he said.

“We’re creating thousands of jobs.”

Passengers who wish to plan their trips to try to reduce delays can find more details at ptv.vic.gov.au

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