Despite V/Line staff participating in industrial action between 3am and 7am on each specified date, the repercussions on services are expected to persist into the afternoon.
“People from regional areas attending the Taylor Swift concert on Friday night who were planning to travel by V/Line are encouraged to consider alternative travel arrangements if they can,” RTBU branch secretary Vik Sharma said.
While a partial coach replacement service will be provided for vital trips, delays of up to two hours are to be expected, and passengers are strongly urged to rethink travel plans and limit journeys to essential ones.
Replacement coaches will not stop at Metro train stations.
In the expectation that many regional passengers will attend the Taylor Swift concert at the MCG on Friday, V/Line said it was committed to promptly restoring the timetable by implementing additional services and increasing capacity on specific lines.
A schedule detailing the first trains to return on each line will be published on the V/Line and PTV websites.
Passengers are urged to check these sources before embarking on their journeys.
Passengers with accessibility needs are encouraged to call 1800 800 007 before travelling to ensure the best possible service is provided.
Motorists travelling on key routes between regional centres and Melbourne should also allocate extra travel time due to likely increased traffic.
Additionally, drivers should be aware of ongoing major works in Melbourne’s west, including freeway lane closures between the M80 Ring Rd and Millers Rd, a closure of Wurundjeri Way and staged closures of Footscray Rd.
Drivers are encouraged to allow at least an extra 30 minutes when travelling through these areas.
For real-time traffic conditions, visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au, while the latest public transport information is available at ptv.vic.gov.au, the PTV app, or the V/Line website or app.
