By STEFAN BRADLEY
ON Friday, March 8 “stopping all stations” will carry a different meaning, as union industrial action means no V/Line trains will run during a 13-hour work stoppage, with the Gippsland Line affected until 4pm.
Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) members employed by V/Line are currently taking protected industrial action by going off the job, scheduled between 3am and 4pm, only on March 8.
This is the fourth month in a row of industrial action affecting V/Line, and the seventh strike over job security, work-life balance and parity with their metropolitan colleagues at Metro.
Negotiations with the state government for a new enterprise agreement began in June last year, but the most recent pay offer was rejected by the RTBU.
No V/Line trains will run during the workers’ strike and major delays will continue throughout the day.
For the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines, an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 5pm between Traralgon, Bairnsdale and Pakenham. Passengers will need to transfer to or from Metro train services to complete their journey to and from Southern Cross.
The Department of Transport and Planning have confirmed to the Express that services will be restored to the Gippsland Line after 4pm, but delays should be expected.
No train services will run on the Seymour, Shepparton, Swan Hill, Echuca or Maryborough lines for the entire day as well.
An extremely limited, infrequent coach replacement service for those lines will run for essential journeys, with delays of two hours or more expected, including extended wait and travel times.
“The Department of Transport and Planning thanks passengers for their understanding during this time,” the department said.
Passengers are advised to avoid travel where possible. Replacement coaches will not stop at Metro train stations.
Metropolitan, freight and the Sydney-Melbourne XPT train services will not be affected by the stoppage, but motorists travelling on key routes between regional centres and Melbourne should expect increased traffic.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au and the latest public transport information is available at ptv.vic.gov.au, the PTV mobile app or on the V/Line website or mobile app.
Passengers with accessibility needs are encouraged to call 1800 800 007 before travelling so the required service and/or assistance can be provided.
First trains scheduled to run for the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines on Friday, March 8 are listed below.
These are correct at the time of publication, but could be subject to change.
Check the schedule on the V/Line and PTV websites before you travel.
5.20pm – Traralgon to Southern Cross
6.06pm – Bairnsdale to Southern Cross
5.38pm – Southern Cross to Traralgon
6.33pm – Southern Cross to Bairnsdale
