Trains suspended on Geelong line between Lara, Wyndham Vale

Geelong commuters have been hit with major disruptions due to a train line track fault at Little River.

Commuters have been hit with major delays. Picture: Alan Barber

Geelong commuters were been hit with major disruptions on Wednesday due to a train line track fault at Little River.

Authorities confirmed coaches would replace all trains on the Geelong line, between Lara and Wyndham Vale.

“Express shuttles are also operating between Lara and Werribee, where passengers can catch a Metro Trains service to Southern Cross Station,” a statement from the Department of Transport and Planning read.

“We ask passengers to check station platform displays and listen for announcements, and to allow additional time for their travel.”

Train services will continue to operate between Southern Cross Station and Wyndham Vale.

“We ask motorists to be vigilant for extra coaches and pedestrians around stations along the Geelong Line,” the statement read.

Major disruptions on the Geelong line

Services finally resumed just after midday when repairs were completed.

“We ask passengers to check station platform displays and listen for announcements, and to allow additional time for their travel as trains get back into position for the normal timetable,” a statement read.

The delays came after services were temporarily suspended on Tuesday following a boom gate fault at the notorious North Shore level crossing.

A frustrated commuter said the disruptions were “disgraceful”.

File image of overcrowded Geelong bound V/Line train

“In the past month I cannot recall arriving to Southern Cross on time once when travelling from Waurn Ponds,” he said.

Public Transport Users Association Geelong branch convener Jarred Crowe said the delays were frustrating for commuters.

“The reliability of the Geelong line over the last couple of months has been less than it normally is,” he said.

“There has been a spate of incidents outside of V/Line’s control and today there is a track fault.

“(This) doesn’t instil confidence in passengers that they will get to where they want to go, when they want to.”

Mr Crowe said V/Line must look into the frequency of incidents and take proactive measures to stop them.

He said trespassing on tracks remained a key issue which could be solved with fencing.

Originally published as Trains suspended on Geelong line between Lara, Wyndham Vale