V/Line urges planning on extremely hot days

WITH the arrival of summer, passengers travelling on the V/Line network to and from Geelong as well as across Victoria are being encouraged to plan ahead and familiarise themselves with the network’s extreme heat timetables.

V/Line chief executive officer Will Tieppo said on days forecast to be 36 degrees or above, the speed restrictions would ensure passengers and staff were safe while travelling by train.

“Safety is our top priority and on really hot days steel tracks can expand in the heat, which is why trains may run at slower speeds, or are replaced by coaches when necessary.

“Passengers can plan their trip with confidence by downloading extreme heat timetables from the V/Line website.”

V/Line closely monitors weather conditions during the warmer months to determine when extreme heat timetables will be activated.

On extreme heat days, extra crews will be on standby to manage any issues and ensure there are minimal disruptions to passengers as they travel.

No V/Line train, scheduled coach, or replacement coach services will operate in a fire district while a Catastrophic fire danger rating is in place for that district.

While heat can affect services across the entire V/Line network, in northern parts of the state, extreme heat timetables are likely to be more common with higher temperatures over summer.

Passengers can download a copy of the extreme heat timetable for their corridor at vline.com.au

On days when extreme temperatures are forecast, passengers are encouraged to head to the V/Line website, app and X (Twitter) feed. Passengers can also speak with staff at stations or on board trains.

V/Line maintenance crews work across the network to prepare ahead of time for the summer months to ensure tracks and other assets are ready for the hot weather.

Other works carried out included grass slashing to manage bushfire risks in the rail reserve.