Extreme heat timetable for trains over weekend

DUE to tomorrow’s (Saturday 22 February) hot weather across regional Victoria, V/Line is putting in place an extreme heat train timetable.

This will impact Ballarat, Ararat, Maryborough, Seymour, Shepparton, Geelong and Warrnambool line services.

“We ask passengers to check the extreme heat timetables on the V/Line website before travelling to see if there are any changes to their services, and to allow extra time when travelling,” a statement from the Department of Transport and Planning said.

“Extreme heat speed restrictions are enforced when temperatures exceed 36 degrees to reduce the likelihood of train and track faults, while also keeping passengers safe.

“When an extreme heat timetable is in place, journey times will be extended as we reduce the speed of trains.

“There will be drinking water on board trains and passengers are also encouraged to travel with bottled water and wear cool clothing.”

Because of annual V/Line maintenance works, buses are replacing trains on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines until Wednesday 5 March.

“Passengers on the Bendigo, Swan Hill and Echuca lines should allow an additional 90 minutes travel time,” the statement said.

“Trains on the Bairnsdale and Traralgon lines are terminating at East Pakenham Station due to maintenance and upgrade works in the metropolitan area, with coaches replacing trains between East Pakenham and Southern Cross Station. Speed restrictions may also be implemented on trains operating between Bairnsdale and East Pakenham, which may result in delays or service changes.”

More information is available at vline.com.au, ptv.vic.gov.au or the PTV mobile app, and at traffic.transport.vic.gov.au.