The Source: FKN Passengers message shocks train commuters

Commuters already stuck with replacement bus services received a rude shock from a Metro Trains announcement at a railway station on Tuesday. But not all was as it seemed.

Frankston passengers got a rude awakening with this message from Metro Trains.

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers

Victorians might have seen the funny side of Frankston commuters being called “FKN PASSENGERS” by Metro Trains – but the state government is not amused.

On Tuesday, commuters were seemingly told by the network operator exactly what it thinks of its customers.

“FKN PASSENGERS,” read the announcement on a suburban platform screen.

“REPLACEMENT BUSES ARE OPERATING.”

How rude to blame passengers for the service change. Well, not so fast.

“Yes, it does actually mean Frankston passengers,” opposition major project spokesman Matthew Guy said while posting the photo on social media.

The Source will trust that lifelong train nerd on that – particularly given the former Liberal leader is not usually willing to get the Labor-appointed operator out of a jam.

“I know the current state government treats Victorians with disrespect, but even this is going a bit far,” Guy later joked.

As it turns out, every station has a three-letter code, and they are not intended for “external use”. The Source can see why.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams was asked about the acronym on Wednesday and conceded it was a “somewhat unfortunate” code for Frankston.

“It is certainly no slight on the wonderful passengers of the Frankston line,” she said, after The Source had brought the not-slight to light.

“Some may seek to, you know, trivialise the operation of our public transport system. We are busy investing in it.”

Next to the minister, Premier Jacinta Allan chimed in disdainfully, saying: “Well, that’s the acronym.”

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