Peter Bannan
REGIONAL passenger rail services continue to face major disruptions after drivers tested positive to COVID-19 in the past week.
Some V/Line trains returned to services midweek, but the majority of services remained as coaches, including on the Swan Hill line on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Seven positive tests among drivers and operational staff meant about 300 V/Line operational staff were required to isolate.
In an update on Wednesday, V/Line said contact tracing would continue and V/Line “was doing everything … to operate more trains throughout the day if possible”.
Passengers were urged to check the V/Line website and social media for the latest information before travelling.
V/Line said it would continue to operate a limited number of morning peak services on the Bendigo line to support essential workers commuting to Melbourne.
“V/Line and the Department of Transport are working closely with the Department of Health to support the V/Line staff and we are exercising an abundance of caution in the interest of our crews and passengers,” V/Line said.
“We apologise to passengers making permitted journeys for the disruption to their journey and thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding during this challenging time.”
For the latest travel information, visit www.vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007.
