Engine trouble forces Ballarat train delay

A TRAIN to Ballarat was delayed by 30 minutes on Wednesday night, with some commuters forced to take a coach to Melton.The train was reduced from a four-car V/Locity to a two-car service due to engine problems earlier in the day, V/Line spokesman James Kelly said."One of the carriages that was running the Ararat service to Melbourne was having engine shut downs so we pulled that from service during the afternoon," he said."(We) put it back out but were having recurring problems so we had to take it off the train, which was the reason for the delay."Mr Kelly said two road coaches were offered for people who were travelling to Melton, with 93 people taking advantage of the bus service."People often ask why we can't just get another train, but we just don't have them sitting in the yards, especially during peak," he explained."During peak period we tend to run every train and carriage we've got to meet demand."So it's unfortunate when these things happen that the only real option is to reduce the service as opposed to having to cancel it."The Courier was contacted by one passenger who said the train was over crowded because of the reduce number of carriages.However, Mr Kelly defended the decision to still run the train, saying people had to option to take the coach."Experience tells us that once people are on a train, even if it has reduced capacity and coaches are available, people are reluctant to get off a train and on to a coach," he said."If a seat is really important to them then a coach is the best option, but other than that standing is a choice that people do make."He welcomed people with concerns to contact V/Line on 136 196.