Avoid V/Line train travel due to industrial action on Friday 22 March and Thursday 28 March
Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) members employed by V/Line will take protected industrial action in the form of a work stoppage for nine hours from 3am to 12pm on Friday 22 March and Thursday 28 March.
No V/Line trains will run before 1pm. An extremely limited number of coaches will run from first service until 1pm with significant delays of two hours or more expected including extended wait and travel times.
Passengers are asked to avoid travel or seek alternative transport options if possible.
Trains will progressively return after 1pm but there will be delays and cancellations throughout the remainder of the day.
Metro trains, trams and buses will run as normal.
Schools will be notified directly with information about service changes and travel advice for students.
Passengers attending major events including the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show on Friday 22 March should consider alternative travel arrangements to the city.
Passengers planning to travel on Thursday 28 March ahead of the Easter long weekend should also consider making alternative arrangements or delay travel until much later in the day.
Passengers who need to travel should expect significant delays and plan their day accordingly.
Freight trains will continue to operate during the planned industrial action so always obey warning signs at level crossings.
Essential travel from first service to 1pm
An extremely limited coach replacement service will run for essential journeys from first service until 1pm.
Coaches will not stop at any Metropolitan stations.
Delays of up to two hours or more are expected before 1pm. A temporary timetable will be available in the coming days for those passengers who need to travel.
Temporary timetables and the schedule of first trains to run (coming soon)
Geelong and Warrnambool lines
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Warrnambool, Geelong and Southern Cross. Coaches will not stop at Footscray and Sunshine.
Wyndham Vale Station
- a limited number of buses will run until 1pm between Wyndham Vale and Werribee to connect passengers with Metro services on the Werribee Line.
Tarneit Station
- a limited number of buses will run until 1pm between Tarneit and Laverton to connect passengers with Metro services on the Werribee Line.
Ballarat, Ararat and Maryborough lines
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Ballarat, Ararat and Southern Cross. Coaches will not stop at Footscray and Sunshine.
Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill and Watergardens. Coaches will not stop at Sunbury Station.
- passengers will need to transfer to or from a Metro Trains service to continue their journey to or from Southern Cross. Connection times will vary, so please allow up to 90 minutes extra time for your journey on metropolitan services.
Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Bairnsdale, Traralgon and Pakenham.
Albury Line
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Albury and Southern Cross. Coaches will not stop at Broadmeadows.
Seymour and Shepparton lines (Friday 22 March only)
- coaches are already replacing trains on the Seymour and Shepparton lines due to track works. Please use the temporary timetable already in place to plan your journey.
Seymour Line (Thursday 28 March)
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Seymour and Southern Cross. Coaches will not stop at Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Essendon and North Melbourne.
Shepparton Line (Thursday 28 March)
- an extremely limited number of coaches will run until 1pm between Shepparton and Southern Cross. Coaches will not stop at Craigieburn, Broadmeadows, Essendon and North Melbourne. After 1pm, coaches will replace trains between Shepparton and Seymour.
Please check before you travel as ongoing service changes are expected.
Information about temporary timetables will be published here. For essential travel, please check for updates on the PTV or V/Line websites, mobile app and social media before you travel.
You can also use Journey planner to search for possible alternative travel options.
Other important information
Passengers with accessibility needs are encouraged to call 1800 800 007 before you travel so we can provide the best possible service for your journey.
Metropolitan, freight and the Sydney-Melbourne XPT train services will still operate during planned industrial action, and following the action there will be V/Line train movements, so please always obey warning signs at level crossings.
Roads are expected to be very busy. For real-time traffic conditions, check VicTraffic.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
