Australia: Rail service disruptions likely to persist in Victoria into at least early evening of March 8 amid V/Line labor strike

Commuter rail service disruptions in Victoria will likely continue into the evening of March 8 amid an ongoing labor strike by V/Line employees. The work stoppage, which began at 03:00, will continue until 16:00 with no V/Line trains operating for the duration of the labor action. Transport officials have advised that an extremely limited coach replacement service will run for essential travel, and delays of at least 120 minutes, as well as cancellations, are likely throughout the day. Other trains will not resume operation until at least 17:00.

Demand for alternative means of transport will likely be higher for several hours after the strike ends. Available bus and rail services may experience overcrowding.