V/Line should have been better prepared to avoid the recent train crisis that brought regional Victoria to its knees, according to state transport minister Jacinta Allen.
Announcing compensation for beleaguered passengers, Ms Allen said V/Line could have avoided the increased wear on the wheels of the VLocity carriages if it had properly planned for increased regional services.
“Yesterday I was advised of V/Line’s failures to adequately prepare for increased regional services,” Ms Allan said.
“This lack of preparation has led to the cancellation of train services across the network – an unacceptable and avoidable situation that has frustrated thousands of regional commuters.
“I am advised that these issues are being addressed through additional maintenance and the replacement of wheels, and that services will progressively resume over the coming weeks.”
V/Line staff were investigating the cause of the wheel wear overnight and extra maintenance shifts have been scheduled so trains could return to services as quickly as possible, V/Line spokeswoman Ebony Jordan said.
“V/Line will always ensure customers get to their destination and would never leave them stranded,” Ms Jordan said.
“A comprehensive coach plan is in place, with more than 200 coaches being deployed across every line on the V/Line network this week.”
V/Line’s operational capacity will be reviewed by an independent panel, who will look at the “structure, capability and expertise of the regional operator”, the state government announced.
FREE TRAVEL NEXT WEEK
Hundreds of services, including dozens on the Ballarat line, were severely disrupted with buses replacing trains curtailing the travel plans of thousands of Victorians including many with prepaid tickets.
In a bid to ease the “frustration” of thousands of regional commuters, travel will be free on V/Line trains and buses next week.
Travel will be free from Saturday, January 23 to Sunday, January 31.
For more information about the cancellations and live updates visit www.vline.com.au
