Metro Trains and Premier Apologize for 2-Hour Metro Tunnel Chaos
In a significant disruption on Tuesday evening, Melbourne’s Metro Trains and the state’s Premier extended apologies to commuters impacted by a service halt through the new Metro Tunnel. As temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius, an overhead power fault trapped approximately 600 passengers in non-air-conditioned trains for up to two hours.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred around peak hour, affecting trains on the re-routed Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines. This disruption followed just days after full services began operating through the newly constructed tunnel. Passengers were forced to evacuate from their carriages and walk to the nearest station, notably Malvern.
Cause of the Power Failure
Metro Trains CEO Raymond O’Flaherty explained that the shutdown was due to an issue with the overhead wire and pantograph—the apparatus that connects trains to power lines. He expressed regret about the lengthy delay in evacuating the trapped passengers.
- Duration of Delay: 90 minutes to two hours
- Temperature: 30 degrees Celsius
- Passengers Affected: Approximately 600
O’Flaherty emphasized that safety was the priority in the complex environment of live tracks, which included fallen electrical wires. He reassured the public that alternate City Loop trains and buses were provided to minimize inconvenience.
Passenger Experience and Communication Issues
Transport journalist Jeremy Burge noted significant communication failures during the incident. Information screens continued to indicate regular train services even after the disruptions began. Frantic staff attempts to direct passengers to safe alternatives highlighted the lack of timely updates.
- Time for Information Updates: Over 40 minutes
- Staff Reports: Indicated incorrect train schedules
In light of these lapses, Premier Jacinta Allan, alongside Metro Trains, acknowledged the distress experienced by commuters. An investigation into the technical failure and passenger information inaccuracies has been initiated.
Further Developments
As part of the network’s expansion, over 1,200 additional weekly services will commence. However, criticism has arisen regarding the new High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) and the infrastructure’s ability to handle increased capacity. Shadow Public Transport Minister Matthew Guy raised concerns, indicating the system is not adequately prepared for the advanced trains.
Metro Trains is considering potential compensation for those affected and is committed to addressing the issues encountered during this incident. As the Metro Tunnel evolves, the focus is on ensuring a reliable and safe commuting experience for Melbourne passengers.
