Heat-speed restrictions have begun to take affect on train lines as the mercury rises in central and northern Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bendigo and Swan Hill lines were affected by hot weather this week as temperature rose above 36 degrees last week.
Restrictions were put in places from Wednesday to Saturday with lines affected between noon and 8pm.
Steel tracks that trains rely on expand in the heat when temperatures top 36 degrees.
It forces trains that usually travel up to 160k/h to slow down to 90km/h.
When travelling at slower speeds, trains are delays and travel times vary.
A V/Line spokesperson said the company would put safety first and that passengers should prepare for a longer journey on hot days during the summer months.
“When the temperature hits 36 degrees, steel railway tracks can expand so we need to slow down our trains as a safety precaution,” the spokesperson said.
“This might mean slightly longer journey times for passengers on very hot days, but our first priority is to get everyone to their destination safely and comfortably.
“We will provide advance notice to passengers if service changes or longer travel times are needed due to extreme temperatures.”
The spokesperson said because V/Line trains can't maintain their usual timetable when travelling slower, V/Line may also implement temporary timetables on the lines that are affected by the extreme heat.
Travel times will vary depending on the temperature along each corridor.
V/Line worked on the tracks through spring in an effort to ensure the tracks are in good condition and , ultimately, minimise potential disruptions to commuter services.
On very hot days, V/Line will update its website and send out messages via its app and social media channels to let passengers know that travel times will change.
Trains have drinking water on-board but V/Line advises passengers to always travel with bottled water, wear cool clothing, and delay travel if they’re feeling unwell. For more visit www.vline.com.au or phone 1800 800 007.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.