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Extreme heat to warp V/Line timetables

Allow extra time: V/Line customers have been warned to expect longer travel times on Sunday. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Victoria’s Department of Transport has warned commuters that the weekend’s forecast hot temperatures will impact V/Line services.

The department said it had implemented extreme heat timetables due to the hot conditions forecast across the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology expects the maximum temperature to reach 40°C in both Shepparton and Echuca on Sunday.

Full extreme heat timetables will be in place for the following lines on Sunday, February 4:

  • Ararat
  • Ballarat
  • Bendigo
  • Echuca
  • Maryborough
  • Swan Hill
  • Seymour
  • Shepparton

The department said travellers should check the V/Line website prior to travelling to see if their services would be impacted.

A copy of the extreme heat timetable can be downloaded from the V/Line website or passengers can ask for a copy from their nearest staffed station.

Passengers are also encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys.

Speed restrictions on railway lines are enforced for safety reasons when temperatures exceed 36°C to reduce the likelihood of train and track faults, but that can lead to extended journey times.

The department said drinking water would be provided on board trains and passengers had also been encouraged to take their own bottled water and to wear cool clothing.

Extreme heat timetables for the Albury line are managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation.

The latest public transport and traffic information is available at:

  • vline.com.au
  • ptv.vic.gov.au
  • the PTV mobile app
  • traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au