Train drivers were stranded in Melbourne’s new Metro Tunnel for almost five hours when a systems fault brought trains to a standstill during test operations last week.
The incident comes just months before the $15 billion underground train line opens to the public, with the Allan government promising it will be taking passengers by the end of this year.
An email sent to Metro Trains staff on Tuesday morning sought to reassure drivers about the fault, which occurred last Monday while operating test trains from West Footscray to Hawksburn through the tunnel.
“There was an incident that involved all trains being brought to a stand in the tunnel and then moved to platforms to hold,” says the email seen by The Age.
“Some drivers had to remain in their cab at a platform for approximately four to five hours without relief.”
The email says it took Metro longer than expected to identify the cause of the fault. Relieving drivers was further complicated by the need to get a replacement driver to a platform at one of the two CBD stations still under construction.
How would a toilet break work if you are stuck in the tunnel for 5 hours?
No WC in metro trains……..for the driver, the males maybe able to do something but the female on the job I hate to think……the end result deep clean and to the workshop to replace soiled seats!!!
And time off for some to readjust themsleves…..