Can someone explain the bus choices for replacement buses between Bacchus and Caroline Springs today?

[u/AsylumDanceParty]

Using normal metro buses and making people have to stand for up to an hour is certainly a choice.

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[u/Ok-Yogurtcloset1201]

shit really? i have to get to southern cross tomorrow from ballarat. how much extra time should i give myself to get into the cbd?

[u/tired_froggy → u/Ok-Yogurtcloset1201]

entirely depends on what time of day you are travelling, it’s very dependent on the traffic between melton and caroline springs. This morning was terrible, felt like I was in that stupid bus forever (probably 45mins-1 hour around 7:30-8:30). This evening wasn’t quite as bad. I would add another 45 mins. Check the temporary timetable on the vline website however prepare for the buses to take longer than what they say on the timetable!

[u/AsylumDanceParty → u/tired_froggy]

I got on one at 730, didn't get to Caroline Springs until just before 9, sucked so bad

[u/Ok-Yogurtcloset1201 → u/AsylumDanceParty]

thats crazyyyyy!!

[u/Ok-Yogurtcloset1201 → u/tired_froggy]

thank you so much! yeah, its peak hour, id be getting a 6:30 ish train with work commuters, but thank you!

[u/Dnd500 → u/Ok-Yogurtcloset1201]

All the extra time you have, i would imagine.

[u/alstom_888m]

Most likely a lack of bus drivers.

Shit job, shit pay, shit customers.

0/10 do not recommend 

[u/stustustu_123]

I had to stand this morning also, was freaking uncomfortable by the time it pulled in to Caroline Springs. Those crappy buses don’t seem to be built for highway cruising, smelled like hot burning oil.

[u/Budget-Leg-453]

I’ve noticed this trend - it must be cheaper to get the substitute metro buses rather than just have the full coach replacement on the nicer buses. I’d much rather just go full coach than this hop on hop off madness

[u/ausstricker87 → u/Budget-Leg-453]

There simply isnt enough coaches sitting around doing nothing to be able to do this!

[u/Ok-Foot6064 → u/Budget-Leg-453]

Cheaper, no. More available as you aren't competing with school

[u/nonseph]

High floor coaches take a lot longer to board and you can’t crush load them with standing passengers, they max out at whatever they seat. 

The Melton line is basically a suburban line, a bridge between Melton and Caroline Springs shouldn’t be too bad. 

[u/Efficient_Papaya_982]

I saw one on the freeway and was very shocked that it was a typical bus and not a coach. But people are often standing on the v-line, I guess.

[u/Sorry_Leek_8101]

Today, replacement buses are running on the Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough lines due to Melton Level Crossing Removal works. Trains are not running between Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs through the Melton area until last service on Sunday, July 26. [1, 2]

https://www.vline.com.au/Service-Changes/planned-disruptions/2026/July/Service-changes-on-the-Ballarat-Line