Radio news

Buses replace trains on the Sunbury Line in early September

04 September 2020

Vision Australia Radio are urging Melbourne metro listeners to take note of an important update from Metro Trains that may affect journey times over September. As part of Victoria’s Big Build, the Sunbury Line Upgrade will deliver major track, power and station platform upgrades to enable more modern trains to run on the line. 

Sunbury Line passengers will experience disruptions to their train services at various times in early September, while Sunbury Line Upgrade works take place. 

To plan your journey: 

For further details and to plan your journey, visit ptv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007. If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us directly or through the National Relay Service and request to call 1800 800 007. For other languages visit ptv.vic.gov.au/languages or call 9321 5450.

Buses will replace trains as follows:

North Melbourne and Sunbury

9pm Sunday 6 September to last train Tuesday 8 September

8.30pm to last train Wednesday 9 September 

5am Saturday 12 September to last train Sunday 13 September


*Dates and times are approximate only and may change.

Metro Trains are asking commuters to allow extra time for their journey. [If possible avoid peak times and travel before 7am or after 9am. |] 

Accessibility:

Prior to travelling, please check your mobility aid, wheelchair or scooter can fit on train replacement buses and taxi transport. Passengers travelling with a mobility aid must also meet restraint requirements. Find more information at ptv.vic.gov.au.  

Wheelchair Accessible Taxi service 

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis will be on standby at the following stations during the disruption between Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September.

These taxis can also be called by our customer service staff to assist passengers at other stations.

Should you require a taxi outside of these hours, need assistance or cannot board a replacement bus service, we recommend contacting PTV prior to travelling on 1800 800 007 to discuss your travel options.

Date: 

Saturday 12 September to Sunday 13 September

Time: 

6am to 10pm

Stations:

North Melbourne

Sunshine

Watergardens


Health and safety: 

The health and safety of Metro Trains workers and the community is a key priority as upgrades continue on the Sunbury Line, as is supporting physical distancing measures in line with current health advice. Metro Trains have strict protocols in place to protect the safety of the construction workforce, including enhanced industrial cleaning arrangements, provision of personal protective equipment and measures to reduce staff contact, including staggered shifts.

There is also increased cleaning across the public transport network to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), including rail replacement buses. This includes nightly sanitation of all trains, trams, and buses, including wiping down all touch surfaces using disinfectant. There will also be enhanced cleaning during bus layovers at major interchanges. 

All Victorians are being asked to stay safe by maintaining good hygiene, keeping your distance from others and if you feel unwell stay home. For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au. 

Other temporary changes: 

  • A range of buses will operate to help make your journey as direct as possible.
  • The City Place car park at Sunshine Station will be closed from 3pm Thursday 10 September to 2am Monday 14 September.
  • A number of on-street parking changes will also be in place in Railway Parade in North Melbourne between 12am Thursday 10 September to 3am Monday 14 September to allow for the safe operation of train replacement buses and construction works.
  • As part of other project works, 12 car spaces per day will be removed at Watergardens Station between Saturday 12 September and Sunday 13 September.
  • Please note coaches will also replace V/Line services between Southern Cross, Gisborne and Bendigo during this period.