Maintenance required for Bendigo trains after crashes with animals

Two services – the 16:57 Southern Cross to Eaglehawk train and the 21:20 Bendigo - Southern Cross train – will run as road coaches due to urgent maintenance after trains were involved in collisions with animals.

“V/Line has experienced a high number of animal strike incidents in October,” a V/Line spokesperson said.

There were 66 animals strike incidents across the V/Line network last month.

Carriages had to be removed from the network in 65 per cent of those incidences. 

The Bendigo Advertiser was told most trains returned to service within one to two days of a bio-wash, unless repairs were needed.

“We understand having fewer available carriages is frustrating and we are working quickly to get affected trains back out on the network,” the V/Line spokesperson said.

“Where possible, we are providing coaches to help passengers get where they need to go.”

V/Line’s strategy in the event of a shortage of carriages is to protect peak hour services.

The number of carriages on the 16:25 Southern Cross - Epsom service will today be reduced to three.

The 19:02 Southern Cross - Bendigo service has been cancelled due to staff sickness, with customers asked to board the 19:42 Southern Cross - Bendigo service.

Two Bendigo line services were delayed by 10 minutes or less earlier in the day because of a track fault at Castlemaine.

A track detection device caused the fault, but was resolved before causing any further delays.

“We thank passengers for their patience,” the V/Line spokesperson said.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused to passengers by the minor delays”.

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