Geelong residents returning to work and study in the new year are bracing for significant travel headaches, with a major V/Line service disruption set to impact the Warrnambool line for nearly two weeks.
Essential Works Force Service Changes
From Tuesday, January 2, until Sunday, January 14, V/Line will be conducting essential infrastructure works on the critical rail corridor. This necessary maintenance means train services between Geelong and Warrnambool will be completely replaced by coaches for the duration of the works.
The disruption is part of a broader program of works planned across the regional network during the summer holiday period. A V/Line spokesperson confirmed the schedule, urging passengers to allow extra time for their journeys and to check the latest updates before travelling.
Impact on Commuters and Travel Times
Commuters who regularly use the affected line will face considerably longer travel times. While trains offer a direct and often faster connection, replacement coach services are subject to road conditions and traffic, potentially adding significant delays to daily trips.
The works come at a particularly inconvenient time for many, coinciding with the return to routine after the festive season break. Students heading back to school and university, as well as workers resuming their normal schedules, will all be affected by the change in services.
Passengers travelling between Geelong and Melbourne are advised that services on the Geelong line itself are expected to run to the normal timetable, but those connecting from the Warrnambool direction will need to factor in the coach replacement leg of their trip.
Planning Ahead for a Smoother Journey
V/Line is strongly recommending that all impacted passengers plan their travel well in advance. The operator advises checking its website or app for detailed coach departure times and locations, as they may differ from the usual train schedules.
Key advice for commuters includes:
- Allowing at least an extra 60 minutes for your total journey time.
- Double-checking coach departure points at Geelong and intermediate stations.
- Monitoring the V/Line website and social media channels for any last-minute changes.
While the disruptions are undoubtedly frustrating for daily users, V/Line emphasises that the works are vital for the long-term reliability and safety of the network. The summer period is often chosen for such projects to minimise impact on the highest number of passengers, though it inevitably affects those travelling during the holidays and early new year.
The temporary inconvenience is framed as an investment in preventing more extensive, unplanned disruptions in the future. Commuters are encouraged to view the updated timetables and plan accordingly to navigate the two-week disruption as smoothly as possible.
