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Melbourne's peak-hour trains at a standstill after computer glitch Melbourne train services resume after IT glitch brings network to a standstill
(about 2 hours later)
Peak-hour passengers stranded on Melbourne trains have been warned not to force the doors open after a computer fault shut down all the city’s train lines. Melbourne’s train services have resumed after a network wide technical glitch, but long delays are expected as thousands of commuters try to squeeze aboard.
Metro Trains told passengers shortly after 4pm to seek alternative ways home on Thursday afternoon with every line experiencing “major delays”. A computer fault shut down every rail line at the start of peak hour, leaving passengers stranded between stations and on platforms.
At 5.10pm, Metro Trains announced some services were now resuming but said there would still be major delays across the network and it would be some time before full services were restored. Services resumed shortly after 5.30pm, but Metro Trains was still warning commuters to allow for extra time and to defer travel where possible.
“We are currently experiencing delays to all lines due to an computer fault affecting the suburban area. Pls seek alternative transport,” Metro Trains said on Twitter. The peak hour debacle also affected Melbourne’s tram networks, with Yarra Trams also saying “high demand” was contributing to major delays.Uber prices skyrocketed, with a five-minute trip – which would usually cost about $8 to $10 – shooting up to about $43.
“Passengers on-board services currently stopped between stations, please do not attempt to force doors open and alight from the train. Commuters were not impressed with the delays and many took the opportunity to vent on social media or poke fun.
“Our technicians are currently working to rectify the problem and we are working to have services moving soon.” Update: Services are now running. In other capital cities, that is. Not Melbourne. #MetroTrains
A spokeswoman for Metro Trains, Sammie Black, said: “We know this is frustrating and that it is peak-hour time but our crews are working to fix this issues as soon as possible.” Leaked footage of #MetroTrains attempting to get their system back online. pic.twitter.com/kWspagMrLz
You had one job @metrotrains #MetroTrains pic.twitter.com/vR67V2gmQz
It is believed the TCMS, the network’s automated control centre, was behind the failure with controllers left staring at blank screens when it went offline. The trains were required to halt for safety reasons as controllers had no way of knowing where they were.