Metro Trains Melbourne: Major delays this week, city lines down

Melbourne commuters are preparing for major delays as buses replace trains on more than half of the rail network.

Nine of the network’s 16 lines will be out of action for the next week as the level crossing is removed and construction on the West Gate tunnel project begins.

The Department of Transport and Planning says the essential works will reduce travel times and congestion on the state’s roads and change the way Victorians travel.

MetroTrains lines affected include the Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sunbury, Upfield, Craigieburn, Werribee, Williamstown, Frankston and Stony Point lines.

A shortage of bus drivers is expected to add to travel chaos and could create a “messy situation” in the coming weeks.

Commuters have been warned to extend their journey by up to 90 minutes.

Melburnians living in the west of the city are urged to work from home and avoid traveling to the city for the next two weeks.

Melbourne commuters will be plagued with a myki fare hike on top of major delays

Bus operator Dysons is expected to struggle with the additional workload on top of existing services.

‘Our members have experience doing this type of work, we have supported the public through major events and replacement work in the past, but I have serious concerns with one of the four major bus companies Dysons, who I understand is indirectly involved ,” said Mem Suleyman, deputy secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union Victoria Department.

“Their staff tell us they are fatigued and struggling to keep up with current schedules.

“I urge the public to be patient and to treat local bus drivers with respect and empathy.”

The public transport users’ association has urged the state government to put more plans in place to avoid a “messy” situation in the coming weeks.

“They need a significant number of buses and drivers to cover that period, especially on weekdays,” spokesman Daniel Bowen said.

“They need to make sure they can find enough drivers so there aren’t thousands of passengers waiting for delayed or canceled buses.”

The association said services offered during major shutdowns a decade ago outperformed those offered today.

“I remember when we had bus fleets organized, we had dedicated lanes on the roads…we had crowds of people at every station gathering people together…we don’t see that level of organization with some of the recent closures,” President Tony Morton told 3AW.

A shortage of bus drivers is expected to contribute to the travel chaos

Delays aren’t the only blow to Melbourne public transport commuters, with full myki fares seeing a nine percent increase along the way.

The maximum daily rate for full fare holders will increase from $9.20 to $10 and concessionaires will pay $5 starting July 1, up from $4.60.

The government pledged to bring tariffs for regional Victoria in line with those in metropolitan areas in the weeks leading up to the 2022 election.

Secretary Lily D’Ambrosio denied it was unfair to promote $9.20 rates during the campaign.

“Our commitment was very clear that they would be capped at the metropolitan rate,” she said Friday.

She said the increase had been delayed by six months to help with cost-of-living pressures and that rates were raised in line with the consumer price index.

Train lines shut down due to level crossing moves and West Gate tunnel project (pictured)

Mr Bowen said the increase was unexpected and charging metropolitan passengers $5 each way for a short journey was “quite steep”.

“While moderate increases can be expected from time to time, a large increase of nearly nine percent for the standard fare will sting passengers,” he said.

“Especially (for) those in the suburbs where local public transport is limited to infrequent and often unreliable buses.”

Opposition spokesman Richard Riordan said prices should have remained frozen until next year.

“A nearly 10 percent increase in public transport fares is the biggest broken promise we’ve seen in just six months of the new government,” Riordan said.

Weekend and holiday rates will also increase to $7.60 for full fare holders and $3.60 for concessionaires.

Melburnians are being urged to work from home this week with nine MetroTrains lines out of action