Bendigo Line Coach Replacement Saturday 7, Sunday 8 And Monday 9 June

19 May 2008

Bendigo line coach replacement
Saturday 7, Sunday 8 and Monday 9 June

Due to signal upgrade works between Southern Cross Station and North Melbourne,
coaches will replace most services on the Bendigo line over the Queen's Birthday long
weekend in June.

Train services will continue to run between Echuca/Bendigo and Sunbury and customers
will need to transfer to the V/Line replacement coach between Sunbury and Melbourne.
Swan Hill services will continue to run as trains to the normal timetable.

V/Line CEO, Rob Barnett, said the Department of Transport signal upgrade project will
see the replacement of old mechanical equipment with a new computerised system.

"These necessary upgrade works are being carried out on sections of the track north of
Southern Cross Station and as a result there will be limited access into the station," Mr
Barnett said.

"Coaches will replace trains between Sunbury and Melbourne, although Swan Hill train
services will still be able to run thanks to the very limited access to Southern Cross.

"V/Line is making every effort to minimise the disruption for customers by getting the
majority of the work done in these three days and we have a comprehensive coach
replacement plan in place."

Mr Barnett said customers should follow the Saturday timetable on the public holiday on
Monday 9 June. Up to an extra 40 minutes should be added to journey times.

"We understand that this is an inconvenience for Bendigo customers but the upgrade
signalling works are vital to improve network running."

Services on the Geelong and Ballarat lines will also be affected over the long weekend
and Bendigo customers are advised to call 136 196 or visit vline.com.au if they are
travelling on these lines. The Seymour and Traralgon lines are unaffected.

For more information about the service changes customers can call V/Line on 136 196
or visit vline.com.au.