Geelong footy fans encountered significant train delays on Saturday as vandalism disrupted services on the Geelong line. The disruptions occurred ahead of the AFL preliminary final, causing frustration among supporters traveling to the MCG.
Vandalism Incident Causes Chaos
Vandalism on the Geelong line led to major delays for commuters, particularly footy fans heading to Melbourne for the crucial match. V/Line reported that the incident occurred in the morning, with services experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes. The damage affected signaling equipment, forcing trains to run at reduced speeds and causing a backlog of services.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers expressed their frustration on social media, with many reporting crowded platforms and delayed arrivals. One commuter said, "It's already a long trip to the MCG, and this just added to the stress." V/Line advised travelers to allow extra time and check service updates before departing.
Response and Repairs
V/Line crews worked quickly to repair the damaged equipment, and services gradually returned to normal by the afternoon. A spokesperson apologized for the inconvenience and confirmed that an investigation into the vandalism is underway. "We take these incidents seriously and are working with authorities to prevent future occurrences," the spokesperson said.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Broader Context
This is not the first time vandalism has disrupted Geelong line services. Similar incidents have occurred in recent months, prompting calls for increased security measures at stations and along the rail corridor. Commuters have expressed concerns about the frequency of such disruptions, particularly on event days when demand is high.
V/Line has encouraged passengers to stay informed via its website and social media channels for real-time updates. The company also reminded passengers to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
