Overview
- V/Line removed reserved seating for the entire month of April during the free‑travel period, with the chief executive citing multiple-seat bookings and no‑shows as the trigger.
- Passenger photos and accounts from the Warrnambool line show crush loads, with people standing in aisles and sitting on carriage floors during long regional trips.
- Regular riders report that even previously reserved seats can be unreachable or already occupied in crowded cars, leaving some elderly and disabled passengers standing.
- The state government says it has added more than 1,000 weekly services, placed 300 coaches on standby, and deployed staff support, while V/Line crews monitor loads and arrange overflow coaches when needed.
- Local MPs called for more carriages and the return of bookings, and officials advised people with medical or access needs to call 1800 800 007 or seek help from Travellers Aid at major stations.