A record number of replacement buses are being rolled out across Victoria during the Autumn construction blitz to keep commuters moving and minimise delays.
More than 600 buses and coaches, delivering more than 100,000 daily trips, are being deployed as works on the Metro Tunnel, level crossing removals and regional train line upgrades continue over the next two weeks.
A dedicated management centre has been established to coordinate the mass movement of commuters.
The Planned Disruption Management Centre (PDMC) allows representatives from all the transport agencies to closely monitor the network, react to trends and respond to incidents. Expert signal engineers can adjust traffic signals in real time to keep buses moving with more green lights.
A combination of express, semi-express and stopping all stations buses provide multiple options for passengers on the Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston, Sandringham, Mernda and Glen Waverley lines in Melbourne and the Geelong, Warrnambool and Gippsland lines in regional Victoria.
The PDMC has been developed to improve coordination between Public Transport Victoria, VicRoads, V/Line, Metro Trains and bus operators, to optimise traffic flow and ensure buses connect with stations to minimise extra travel time for passengers.
As part of planning for the disruption, all non-essential roads works have been put on hold on bus replacement routes.
Work to unearth the Metro Tunnel’s entrance at South Yarra is continuing, as are power, signalling and station upgrades in preparation for the new bigger better trains and the level crossing removal at Reservoir.
On the regional network, signal and platform upgrades on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines over the next fortnight will lead to more reliable trains for Victoria’s fastest-growing and busiest regional rail corridor. Gippsland line passengers are travelling for free during the blitz while coaches replace trains for the entire journey.
Passengers are encouraged to allow extra travel time during the works and to check for more information on replacement buses and disruptions visit ptv.vic.gov.au or vicroads.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
“We are delivering these essential works to prepare and improve Victoria’s rail network for decades to come.”
“A record 600 replacement buses are now operating to keep passengers in Melbourne and regional Victoria moving.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford
“There is a huge amount of coordination involved in keeping the more than 100,000 people moving every day during this blitz.”
“We want to thank passengers and road users for their patience during the works and urge everyone to plan ahead before they travel over the next two weeks.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020