Geelong Advertiser

WIN A CATS JUMPER

- CHANEL ZAGON

GEELONG footy fans travelling to Friday night’s qualifying final by train could face a very tight squeeze with no extra V/Line trains running to Melbourne.

Around 92,000 footy fans are set to pack out the MCG for the blockbuste­r between Geelong and Collingwoo­d.

A normal train timetable will apply for fans travelling from Geelong to Southern Cross Station, with trains running every 20 minutes.

V/Line confirmed to the Geelong Advertiser three additional services would run after the game on the Geelong line, with additional carriages added to the 11.30pm service.

Public Transport Users’ Associatio­n spokesman for Geelong Paul Westcott said the decision was “unusual” as extra trains had previously run to other footy games. “It’s unusual that there aren’t extra trains to the game,” Mr Westcott said.

“Obviously after the game the demand is pretty high and going to the game the demand is a bit more spaced out.

“But even when other teams are playing - teams that have a reasonable degree of support - they will put on extra trains, so it is strange. Last week, there was an extra train even when Geelong weren’t playing in Melbourne.”

The Melbourne Cricket Club urged fans to opt for public transport as Yarra Park carpark remains closed to the public.

“The Melbourne Cricket Club strongly advises fans attending Friday night’s qualifying final at the MCG to use public transport to get to the stadium and arrive early,” he said. “The car park is closed for safety and security reasons for marquee matches where crowds are expected above 80,000.”

Limited parking will be available for accredited and disability permit holders via Gate 3, but the spokesman confirmed this option was “subject to change” and also “weather dependent”.

Nine train services will run from Geelong to Southern Cross between 3-6pm.

Key departure times after the game from Southern Cross station to Geelong are: 10.54pm, 11.10pm, 11.20pm, 11.30pm, 11.50pm and 12.15am.

For further details visit: ptv.vic.gov.au

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