Peak hour chaos on regional train network as trains delayed for hours

MELBOURNE’S train network is set to return to normal after heavy delays which stranded regional and metropolitan travellers for hours tonight — but those heading into the city can still expect delays.

LATEST: Melbourne’s train network is set to return to normal after heavy delays which stranded regional and metropolitan travellers for hours tonight.

Metro announced the signal fault has been fixed and outbound delays should soon reduce.

But citybound services remain delayed as trains are out of position.

Earlier tonight, the transport provider urged Cranbourne and Pakenham line commuters to defer travel or consider other transport options as they faced significant delays.

Both lines were delayed by up to 80 minutes.

TRANSPORT A TOP PRIORITY ON MELBOURNE TO-DO LIST

MAN BEHIND NORTH MELBOURNE SHUTDOWN ‘APOLOGETIC’

pic.twitter.com/Qt1AObaPrB

— Reuben Korngold (@reubenkorngold) May 14, 2018

This is the mess at oakleigh. We are waiting for replacement buses pic.twitter.com/YJdOnPiR1o

— TL (@Tanno24) May 14, 2018

Walked to Chadstone Shopping Centre, Currently on a suburban bus to Dandenong, no replacement buses in sight for 40 mins pic.twitter.com/XZHoaUAfoJ

— Niki (@NikiRogalski) May 14, 2018

Seven engineering teams were investigating the signal fault, said Metro director of operations Ron Bria.

“We sincerely apologise to our passengers for major delays on the Cranbourne and Pakenham line this afternoon,” he said.

“We’re asking passengers to plan ahead, defer their travel if possible and consider other transport options.”

Limited trains were able to run between Oakleigh and Dandenong under strict safety precautions.

@metrotrains decent crowd now at Dandy waiting for Paky train, might want to put a couple of PSOs on platform, lots of pushing go on! pic.twitter.com/jYKcqLFtIC

— Dr Love (@3810Bee) May 14, 2018

Your daily reminder that @metrotrains service is an absolute debacle. Platform attendant announced overcrowded, cancelled and delayed trains of up to ninety minutes in a single breath to packed platform at peak hour, while recommending we find alternative transport home.

— Clare Murphy (@ClareAliceMurph) May 14, 2018

@metrotrains We just got turfed off at Caulfield! No busses! No alternative transport! No Care!Thanks Metro you are the gift that keeps on giving! #yousuck #refundme #packenhamline

— Princess T (@T_McCasey) May 14, 2018

“While trains continue to operate, we have 61 buses in operation or en route to supplement train services,” Mr Bria said.

“We are investigating the route cause, which may not be known until after services this evening.”

The delays also saw regional Victorians stranded in the city until after dark as faults suspend major train lines, with Gippsland passengers advised of two-hour-plus delays due to a track fault in the metro area.

TRAFFIC-BUSTING IDEA WHERE YOU CAN AVOID OWNING A CAR

At one stage, Bairnsdale passengers were not be able to catch a train for 142 minutes and the Morwell line was also delayed by 113 minutes.

Commuters heading to Traralgon were told their trains would not run at all.

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