Delay of the Day

Is it the weather? no
Is it the air con? no
Is it the union? ahh yesss

Broken-down train blocks line at Richmond

Commuters can expect further delays on the Sandringham train line this afternoon because of a stand-off between warring factions of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union over a train stuck at Richmond station.

After six hours, the train remains at a standstill at Richmond station, and has already caused delays to this afternoon's peak hour services.

The Age understands the train remains parked at the station because of a union dispute.
Connex would not comment, saying it was working to get the train moved so that services on the Sandringham line could run as normal this afternoon.

Trains are not running in either direction on the line. Commuters leaving the city are being asked to catch the route 67 tram to Elsternwick.

Buses are running between Elsternwick and Sandringham stations in both directions.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure people get where they need to be," a Connex spokeswoman said.

"We're working to resolve the issue as we speak and at Richmond and South Yarra stations we've got the flexibility of moving people off the trains and on to other platforms to catch other trains to the city."

Earlier this morning, the spokeswoman said the faulty train was expected to be removed "very soon".

The problems on the Sandringham line are not the first this week. On Tuesday there were 52 of the day's 1977 train services cancelled because of faults with trains and a disagreement between train drivers and train controllers.

There have been 28 train services cancelled across the Connex network today. Many more are expected this afternoon as a result of the problems on the Sandringham line.