Melbourne commuters have been warned to expect major delays across metro train lines after an Optus communication outage earlier grinded trains to a halt.
Metro Trains in Melbourne reported trains had stopped due to a communications outage across the train network, in a post on X about 4.40am on Wednesday.
All train services later resumed across the metro network just after 6am, however, Metro Trains warned there were “major delays to all lines as we restore services with select alterations and cancellations”.
“Please consider alternative transport if possible,” they wrote on X.
The Department of Transport and Planning said cancellations were likely as trains “get back into position for the normal timetable” and there would be limited ongoing impact on V/Line services, according to The Age.
“Passengers using the Gippsland Line or the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines are encouraged to check the V/Line website for updates, as service changes are likely to continue through the morning,” they said.
Some have been quick to express their frustration on social media, with one commuter noting they couldn’t catch a train at Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station or hire an Uber home as they were with the Optus network.
“Have to go back home from Flinders St station, Melbourne due to no trains running atm. No bus replacement either. Can’t hire Uber ride as I’m on #Optus network,” they wrote early on Wednesday morning.
“No trains and no Optus. Melbourne is in for one hell of a morning,” said another.
The nationwide Optus outage has impacted millions of Aussies, with a number of hospitals and businesses also hit.
Issues with the network have been reported across the country in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide creating major delays for commuters and impacting health services.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said on Wednesday morning the government is “seeking information from Optus on the major outage”.
“We understand from reports that the telco is working to resolve the outage as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“Connectivity is essential for Australian consumers and businesses, and the impacts of this outage are concerning.