V/Line is advising regional train travellers to plan ahead for another day of extreme weather tomorrow.
Emergency services have advised that very high to extreme fire danger is expected this Friday 27 February.
Heat speed restrictions are also expected on the rail network if temperatures rise above 36 degrees. Passengers are advised to prepare for delays while travelling tomorrow, and for Gippsland passengers, to consider deferring all non-essential travel.
General Manager, Geoff Arthur, said it was expected that heat speed restrictions could result in delays of up to 30 minutes, with a small number of services fully or partially replaced by coaches.
“Every effort will be made to keep services running in the heat, whether it be by train or coach,” Mr Arthur said.
“A fleet of coaches will be on stand-by at Southern Cross Station and in the hottest parts of the state at Swan Hill and Shepparton, with further coaches deployed to other locations as needed.
Mr Arthur said the bush fires currently burning in the Bunyip area had the potential to disrupt train and coach services.
“Depending upon the fire’s movements tonight and tomorrow, train services in the region may be suspended.
“Current advice from police and the CFA is that back-up road coaches may also not be able to operate if road closures are also implemented during the fire emergency.”
V/Line has issued the following travel advice for Friday 27 February:
- Consider deferring all non-essential to Gippsland. Train and coach services cannot be guaranteed.
- Allow up to half an hour extra travel time between midday and 8pm. Steel tracks expand in the heat, requiring trains to run at slower speeds to be safe.
- Although V/Line trains have onboard water fountains, passengers are strongly encouraged to bring a bottle of water to stay well hydrated in the heat.
- Monitor the V/Line website (vline.com.au) for travel updates.
- Call V/Line on 136 196 for travel information.
- Listen to ABC radio for emergency updates.
- Monitor the DSE and CFA websites for fire information.
Mr Arthur thanked train passengers for the patience and understanding during the hot weather.