Trains are back on schedule after three major trains lines suspended

TRAINS are running to schedule again on three of the city’s busiest lines after commuters were left with lengthy delays during the morning ride to work.

THREE major train lines have been suspended, causing likely havoc for peak-hour commuters. Picture: Ian Currie

TRAIN commuters’ woes have finally come to a halt after major delays plagued three of Melbourne’s busiest train routes due to an equipment fault which suspended parts of the lines.

Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein train lines have resumed normal service after delays of up to 90 minutes sent the network into chaos from the early morning.

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Belgrave/Lilydale Trains on a go slow to Burnley. Buses replacing trains in the other direction. Alamein line suspended. Chaos. #goingnowhere @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/1TWl9mNzci

— Jonathan Kearsley (@jekearsley) February 15, 2018

If you never hear from me again it's because I'm stuck on this stationary train until the end of time. #trains #metro #melbourne #delays pic.twitter.com/oyBc3THImU

— Ryan Sheales (@RyanSheales) February 15, 2018

Trains had been suspended between Riversdale and Camberwell stations on the Alamein line after a part suspension due to damaged trackside equipment earlier this morning.

Replacement buses were ordered to get commuters to work but Metro has warned passengers to seek alternate routes to avoid delays.

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Commuters were told to use route 70 and 75 trams to get to Flinders St Station.

One passenger on the Lilydale line told the Herald Sun his service took more than half an hour to get from Box Hill to Camberwell, travelling very slowly through all stations and stopping at each signal.

Uber drivers cashed in on this morning’s public transport nightmare.

Prices have surged, costing between $92 and $121 to get from Surrey Hills to Flinders St as people spilled off packed trains.

The same journey usually costs about $38.

The Lilydale, Belgrave and Alamein train lines were shut down due to an external power fault affecting trackside equipment near Camberwell.

Passengers at Mitcham were warned of the disruptions between Box Hill and Burnley, and told to find alternative transport. Picture: Nathaniel Bane.

Camberwell station. Picture: Ian Currie

Mark, commuting from Box Hill station to the city, told 3AW there were many people waiting at the station.

“They are expecting replacement buses to arrive in 45 minutes,” he said.

Another person, Esme Weinstein, tweeted to Metro that people were sitting on the floor after a train had not moved for 40 minutes.

Anthony Edge told the Herald Sun he had boarded a train about 7.40am at Box Hill and had not made it to Chatham station, three stations away, within the hour.

“Stuck between stations. Metro says trains are moving. They are not,” he said.

Phil Alan said he caught the 7.42am train from Croydon Station before arriving in the CBD at 10am.

Buses to replace trains Riversdale - Burnley due to external power fault affecting trackside equipment . Buses have been ordered but may take over 60 minutes arrive, consider alternate transport. Tram route 70 https://t.co/NUBM4OMjRl pic.twitter.com/HW1TY0uMru

— Metro Trains (@metrotrains) February 15, 2018

No trains between Box Hill and Burnley. Accept this happens. Catch a tram & get abused by the tram driver for making him run late!! He says I'm already 5mins late. Not sure how's that my fault. #yarratrams

— Sharon Beavis (@SharonBeavis) February 15, 2018

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The Stony Point line is also running to schedule after it was suspended between Frankston and Stony Point due to a train fault.

There are delays of up to 15 minutes on the Cranbourne line.​

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