Major disruption as blackout brings down Melbourne train network

Metro has apologised to customers after the entire Melbourne train network was shut down last night.

Services were suspended just after 7.30pm, forcing trains to be stopped on every train line and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Many tried to get onto already crowded trams or take a taxi home.

The problem was caused by a blackout at the Metro Control Centre which triggered a false alarm and led to the evacuation of the building.

Metro says it recognises it was a frustrating night for customers and has apologised for the delays experienced.

It says it activated the secondary control centre immediately and was working to coordinate train movements.

Subsequently the primary facility was deemed safe allowing services to resume within half an hour.

Delays were however felt into the night.