Engineering, Passenger Rail

Coaches replace trains on Gippsland line

V/Line train going through level crossing. Photo: RailGallery.com.au

With major works underway to remove the last four level crossings on Victoria’s Caulfield-Dandenong corridor and complete other major rail upgrades, coaches will replace trains for all or part of the journey on the Gippsland line from 30 May to 17 June.

Select express and “semi-express” coaches will also run to Parliament Station via the Eastern Freeway.

“We’re determined to improve the amenity and service for Gippsland passengers while disruptions from metropolitan works are occurring,” Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said.

“Along with additional express coaches, we are also providing more advance travel notice for Gippsland passengers through bulletins and regular updates about changes on the network.”

Trains will continue to operate between Traralgon and Pakenham, connecting with coaches between Pakenham and Melbourne via the Monash Freeway.

The government has said that V/Line passengers should expect delays in journey times of approximately 60 minutes in off-peak period and up to 90 minutes in peak periods.

State transport minister Jacinta Allan said that the disruptions, while inconvenient for commuters, were a regrettable necessity in the drive to complete important rail infrastructure upgrades, including level crossing removals.

“We’re building the tracks, buying the trains and delivering the extra services needed to keep more and more people moving across our city and regions.”

“We know that these service disruptions are frustrating, but we have to get this work done so that we can give Gippslanders the reliable public transport network they need.”