A blistering heatwave sweeping across Victoria has thrown the state's regional rail network into disarray, forcing the cancellation of numerous V/Line services and causing significant delays for thousands of commuters.
Heat Safety Measures Halt Trains
The extreme temperatures, which soared into the 40s in parts of the state on Tuesday, prompted V/Line to implement its extreme heat timetable. This precautionary measure is designed to protect infrastructure and ensure passenger safety, but it comes at the cost of widespread disruption. Services on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and Gippsland lines were among the hardest hit, with many trains simply not running.
V/Line confirmed the cancellations were a direct response to the severe weather conditions. "The safety of our passengers and staff is our top priority," a spokesperson stated. The rail operator warned that speed restrictions would also be likely across the network to prevent tracks from buckling in the intense heat, compounding the delays for services that were still operating.
Commuters Left Stranded and Scrambling
The sudden cancellations left passengers at major stations like Southern Cross in Melbourne and throughout regional hubs facing major uncertainty. Many commuters reported only learning of the cancellations upon arrival at platforms, leading to frustration and crowded conditions as people sought alternative travel arrangements.
Replacement coach services were organised for some routes, but these are significantly slower than train travel, adding hours to some journeys. The knock-on effect of the cancellations is expected to last into the evening, with services struggling to return to normal schedules. Public transport authorities are strongly advising all travellers to check the V/Line website or app for real-time updates before beginning their journey and to allow substantial extra travel time.
A Broader Weather Warning
This transport chaos unfolds against a backdrop of a severe heatwave warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for much of Victoria. The extreme heat is not just a rail issue but a public health concern, with authorities urging people to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
The widespread cancellations highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events. For now, the focus remains on managing the immediate fallout, with V/Line indicating that the extreme heat timetable and associated disruptions will remain in effect for as long as the dangerous temperatures persist.
