Union blames Metro for V/Line boom gate fiasco

Chaos continues on Victoria’s rail network as the train union points the finger squarely at Metro for the current boom gate fiasco.

Metro has banned all V/Line Velocity trains from using suburban tracks after a boom gate failed to close properly when a VLocity train approached a level crossing on Friday night.

Confidential emails and documents dating back years have revealed Metro and V/Line chiefs were warned boom gates were having difficulty detecting trains, according to the Herald Sun.

The Herald Sun also reported that in 2013 it was recommended to Metro to extensively clean the tracks or introduce track circuit assisters to help boom gates recognise an approaching V/Line train.

The train union has blamed Metro for failing to properly maintain the tracks.

Luba Grigorovitch, secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, said the current situation was an ‘absolute disgrace’.

‘V/Line are paying $20 million per year to use the Metro track and in return, they’re supposed to have it maintained,’ she told Ross and John.

‘This obviously hasn’t happened and it’s an absolute disgrace.’ 

Click play to hear Ross and John speak to Luba Grigorovitch.