Overcrowded Geelong trains prompt MCG finals plea

Geelong's mayor has demanded extra trains for next week's preliminary final after elderly fans and families were forced to stand during the qualifying final.

Cats fans at train stations in 2022.

Safety fears over packed V/Line trains have prompted Geelong’s mayor to seek additional train services for next week’s preliminary final.

Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj has written to the chief executive of V/Line, William Tieppo requesting additional services and carriages to prevent overcrowding on the Geelong line for the Cats’ preliminary final on September 19 or 20.

Mr Kontelj said he was prompted by feedback from many passengers who were forced to stand on the service before and after the Cats’ MCG game against Brisbane on September 5.

“This not only impacted the comfort of the journey but also raised serious safety concerns, particularly for older passengers, families with children, and those with mobility challenges,” Mr Kontelj said.

“Mr Tieppo is a proud local (Torquay) resident who understands the passion our community holds for the Cats and the importance of accessible, comfortable transport options to and from major events.

“Enhancing services during finals season not only supports regional pride and participation – it also strengthens V/Line’s brand as a responsive and community-focused provider.”

More than 800 services run on the Geelong line every week, with trains approximately every 10-15 minutes during peak times and every 20 minutes throughout the day.

Special services often run for major events.

A V/Line spokesman said, “We will be running extra services to get fans to and from the Geelong Cats preliminary final at the MCG next week.

“V/Line has started planning for these services, with details to be confirmed after the AFL fixture is released.”

V/Line ran five extra trains with boosted carriage capacity to take fans to and from the Cats’ qualifying final.

Originally published as Overcrowded Geelong trains prompt MCG finals plea