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Irate customers who had to stand in the aisles and sit on the floor took to The Standard's Facebook page to voice their disgust with the service.

"We apologise to passengers who were on the lunchtime train from Melbourne to Warrnambool for the service being busier than normal," A V/Line spokesman said.

"Due to carriage faults, the train was only able to run with three carriages instead of five, meaning fewer seats available to passengers.

"We understand that standing for long periods is very frustrating and it's not the experience we want our passengers to have on long-distance services."

V/Line advised a replacement carriage was not available at short notice and the decision was made to continue the service, rather than delay passengers.

Train travellers said the beleaguered service was "hideous".

Darrin Atkins asked: "Who is surprised by this? It's a terrible over priced and unreliable service at the best of times."

Margaret Hurford said first class on the train "was a joke".

"I was freezing on Thursday night from Warrnambool to Melbourne. Such a basic service," she said.

Stephen Cutler said: "How much longer do we have to put up with a sub standard service consisting of 50 plus year old rolling stock?"

Sandramia Rose quipped: "It's called the old rattler for a reason."

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