Melton and surrounding suburbs will be significantly impacted by major rail service changes this month as works continue on the Melton line upgrade.
From the evening on Saturday 10 January, up until the last service on Friday 23 January, Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough line services will be disrupted, with trains replaced by coach services and buses across much of Melbourne’s west.
On Saturday 10 January Ballarat line trains will be replaced by coaches between Wendouree and Southern Cross from 8pm, affecting evening travel to and from the city.
From Sunday 11 January, all Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough line trains will terminate at Bacchus Marsh, meaning Melton passengers heading to Footscray or Southern Cross will need to catch a shuttle bus to Watergardens, before transferring to a Metro Sunbury line train.
Residents in Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs, Deer Park and Ardeer will also need to factor in extra travel time, with buses replacing trains to Sunshine, where passengers can connect with Metro services to the city. Replacement buses will operate for travel to Melton or Bacchus Marsh.
Passengers travelling from Melton towards Ballarat, Ararat or Maryborough will need to catch a replacement bus to Bacchus Marsh before boarding a V/Line train.
V/Line has warned that additional nighttime disruptions may mean coaches replace trains between Southern Cross and Bacchus Marsh on some evenings in January.
Commuters are urged to plan ahead, check temporary timetables and allow extra time for travel. Bikes are not permitted on some replacement bus services, and passengers must hold a valid myki or paper ticket when travelling.
For the latest information, visit V/Line’s website or follow @vline_ballarat on X.
