Industrial action set to disrupt train services

Industrial action is expected to effect Gippsland V/Line train users next week.

The action by the State’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union is likely to cause delays next Monday while Tuesday’s (December 17) services are expected to be cancelled.

Details of alternative public transport – road coaches replacing trains next Tuesday – have not yet been released.

The action by the union is part of rolling stoppages on regional rail routes from tomorrow until December 20 over a pay dispute with the State Government.

Public Transport Victoria has also announced scheduled disruptions to pre-Christmas evening services on the Gippsland line from Friday, December 20, to Monday, December 23, and again with services departing Southern Cross for Traralgon after 9.35 p.m. on Boxing Day, December 26, due to works on the metropolitan section of the network.

Those services will be replaced with road coaches.

And there’ll be virtually no train travel for Gippslanders throughout January.

Road coaches will replace all Traralgon and Bairnsdale services to and from the city from January 2 to 30.

Major work is scheduled during that period on both the metropolitan section of the rail network as well as in Gippsland.

PTV said passengers should allow as much as 60 minutes extra travelling time.

Amended timetables have also taken effect for Gippsland trains from December 1.

Most were minimal changes to departure times but incorporated some later arrivals at destinations due to additional stopping times at stations for Metro trains.

Adjustments to connecting bus services have also been made to accommodate the changed arrival and departure times.