THE Victorian Opposition is calling for rapid testing on Victoria’s public transport network after drivers tested positive for COVID-19.
Regional operator V/Line has scrambled to staff services on its network after hundreds of workers were forced into isolation when drivers were infected in a staff room.
Disruptions on regional lines will continue for weeks, as 300 workers quarantine for two weeks.
Shadow public transport minister Steph Ryan said an “appalling failure to put a plan in place has stranded regional travellers”.
“Despite the Andrews Labor Government having 18 months to plan, the first sign of trouble has left the entire V/Line network at a standstill,” Ms Ryan said.
“Hundreds of trains continue to be cancelled every week and the government has no plan to get the trains back on time.”
Ms Ryan said the train driver who seeded the current outbreak was asymptomatic at work, and if they had access to rapid testing, COVID would have been detected before it shut down the network.
“Rapid testing is an extra layer of protection for Victorians, particularly those working in essential work and high-risk settings, that will help get Victoria back on track,” she said.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll was contacted for comment.
