Plan ahead for extreme heat, V/Line says

By Ryan Bellingham

Dec 13, 2024

Extreme heat timetables are likely to be in place in the coming months. Photo by Aidan Briggs

V/Line passengers have been encouraged to familiarise themselves with extreme heat timetables this summer.

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Executive director of operations Rochelle Reynolds said extra precautions will be in place on days forecast to be above 36°C, ensuring passenger and staff safety.

“Safety is our top priority. On those really hot days, steel tracks can expand in the heat, which is why trains may run at slower speeds, or be replaced by coaches when necessary,” Ms Reynolds said.

Heat can affect services across the entire V/Line network, but disruptions are more common in northern Victoria as the region sees higher temperatures over summer.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s climate outlook for January to April said warmer than average days are likely across Australia.

It predicted an increased chance of unusually high maximum temperatures across most of the country this summer.

No V/Line train, scheduled coach or replacement coach services will operate in a fire district while a Catastrophic fire danger rating is in place.

Commuters can plan ahead by checking extreme heat timetables on the V/Line website, or by speaking to staff for information.

Passengers can download a copy of the extreme heat timetable for their corridor at vline.com.au, or check the V/Line app and X (Twitter) for updates.