PASSENGERS who faced a five-hour delay on a Warrnambool-bound train last month have been offered two free return tickets to Melbourne as compensation for their frustrating journey.
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The problem-plagued train broke down between Camperdown and Terang on Monday, November 19, meaning weary passengers did not arrive in Warrnambool until 3am.
They were forced to sit in the disabled carriages without access to operational toilets until the train could be pushed back to Camperdown.
V/Line has traced the breakdown of the train to a failed air compressor.
“The air compressor is vital to the operation of the brakes of the locomotive and carriages,” media and communications advisor James Kelly said.
“When the compressor failed, the brakes locked and it was not possible to move the train.
“A train crew had to be called in to run a train from Geelong to reach the disabled train and push it to Camperdown station where passengers were picked up by bus.”
He said the conductor informed passengers that it was not safe to get them off the train because of its remote location.
“Customers were offered the use of a phone to contact relatives or friends about the delay and were also provided with complimentary food and drinks from the on-board buffet.
“To improve the flow of information about unplanned disruptions, V/Line has extended the hours of its communications team at the train control centre to cover weekends as well as early mornings and evenings,” Mr Kelly said.
“V/Line regrets the inconvenience caused by this extended delay and is offering double the normal compensation to customers.”
Passengers who were on board the affected train will be eligible for two complimentary return tickets. Customers who have their ticket for that service can apply for the compensation by contacting V/Line on 1800 800 007.
