Melton and Moorabool commuters will be among the hardest hit by summer train timetable changes.
The state government has warned commuters to expect major disruptions on most lines between December 22 and January 28.
Commuters are being advised to allow up to half an hour more for their journeys, with buses replacing most trains on Metro’s Sunbury line between December 28 and January 19.
All Ballarat line V/Line services will be replaced by buses during the same period.
Modified timetables will operate on both lines from December 23-27 and January 20-26.
Transport Minister Terry Mulder says the changes will accommodate Regional Rail Link construction and ensure commuters can get to where they need to go while work is under way.
“Completing works over this quieter period will help to minimise the effect on rail passengers while making significant progress in a short time,” he said.
Melton commuter Bryan Toohey said train services were already poor and he wouldn’t even consider using public transport during the disruption period.
‘‘The system has improved somewhat, but nowhere near enough,’’ he said. “Has anyone completed trial runs to the city during peak hour lately? If you catch a bus the night before, you might make it to work on time.’’
Melton Labor MP Don Nardella asked the government to ‘‘come clean’’ about any plans to increase ticket prices next year.
“Three years ago, Melton and Moorabool were promised a quality public transport service, but once in office the Liberals abandoned public transport for an $8 billion dud tunnel in the inner city,” he said.
“The Napthine government has slugged commuters with fare increases of 3.1 per cent in 2011, 8.6 per cent in 2012 and 6.8 per cent in 2013, and it’s expected Denis Napthine will hit them again in the coming weeks.”
