ONLY a day after the reopening of rail services on the Ballarat line, commuters have been left confused after Public Transport Victoria posted new timetables slashing the number of services for Ballarat.
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However, Public Transport Victoria has since admitted it was an error that should be fixed by Friday.
The error meant only eight services were returning to Ballarat from Melbourne each day, according to the timetable. Some commuters took to social media to show their frustration and clear up the confusion.
Public Transport Victoria spokeswoman Andrea Duckworth said PTV apologised for the inconvenience the error had caused to customers.
“PTV is aware of some errors in the Ballarat train timetables on PTV’s website, and is working to rectify the issues by tomorrow morning,” she said.
“While the issue is being resolved, customers are able to check the correct Ballarat line timetable on the V/Line website or by contacting our call centre on 1800 800 007.”
Despite questions from The Courier, PTV gave no reason for the error and did not answer questions about the feedback it had received concerning the mistake. The Regional Rail Link works completed over the shutdown period are expected to lead to an increase of service, not a decrease.
However, Ms Duckworth reiterated previous comments that Ballarat residents would have to wait until next year to see any of the new services.
“Public Transport Victoria will finalise new timetables with extra services for the Ballarat line closer to the full completion of Regional Rail Link next year, and in line with the progressive delivery of new trains,” Ms Duckworth
said.