By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THE decision to stop trains running to the last four stations of the Belgrave line on code red fire days may extend to other forms of public transport.
Metro Trains announced the decision to close the last four stations on the Belgrave line late last year citing safety concerns for staff and commuters.
“In the event of code red, it is not safe for customers or staff to be in the area so services would not operate in that section,” Metro spokesperson Sammie Black said.
The decision was made in consultation with Emergency Management Victoria and the CFA who established the section of track between Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully stations were in an extreme fire risk area.
“We have assessed that the safest and closest station to change ends and return is Bayswater,” Ms Black said.
“A shuttle bus service will replace trains from Bayswater to Ferntree Gully, with all stations from Upper Ferntree Gully to Belgrave closed.
“Replacement bus services are also not planned to run in the areas affected by the train station closures.
“It is not safe for customers or staff to be in the area so services will not operate on that part of the network,” said PTV spokesperson Nick White.
While Metro may not be running train or bus services to the area, Mr White said it would be up to local service providers’ discretion to decide if they want to run services on such high fire risk days.
“Local bus operators will consult with the relevant agencies before deciding how a code red day will impact their operations,” Mr White said.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley has said previously on this issue that it was important everyone who lived in, or visited a high risk area, had a plan for what they would do on any high fire danger day.
“On code red days in particular, people in high risk areas are urged to leave the night before or early in morning,” he said.
“People in these areas need to update their plans to include the change to public transport services.”
A CFA spokesperson said the decision by Metro to stop the trains at Bayswater would have no impact on the fire management plan of the local CFA crews.
