COMMUTERS experienced major delays on the Ballarat line this afternoon.
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V/Line stated there were major delays on the Ballarat line due to a track fault at Bacchus Marsh, where trains pass each other, resulting in long delays in both directions.
A trespasser near West Footscray also caused delays to services.
Commuter Kathryn Pearce was travelling from Southern Cross on the 4.33pm train. She said the service, with a school group travelling on board, was stuck outside Bacchus Marsh as several trains were backed up.
Commuters were kept in the dark for over an hour with no communications as to why the train was not moving.
Shortly before 7pm, with the train meant to have arrived in Ballarat at 5.42pm, Ms Pearce said frustrated commuters had been told by a V/Line staff member that the PA system on the train was broken.
Just before 8pm, a V/Line spokesperson told The Courier delays on the Ballarat line were starting to clear after a number of unrelated incidents throughout the afternoon.
Three separate incidents on the Ballarat line caused delays to train services, the spokesperson said.
"We are extremely sorry for the extended journey times and we encourage any affected passengers to contact us to discuss options for compensation."
The fault has been temporarily repaired with trains now able to move through the area.
The V/Line spokesperson said passengers who were delayed by more than 60 minutes could be eligible for compensation.
To apply, visit vline.com.au or phone 1800 800 007.
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