Hot Weather

Hot Weather and Speed Restrictions

Metro’s priority is making sure trains can safely run on the metropolitan network during hot weather in Melbourne.

Each Metro line is fitted with a number of electronic monitoring sensors to dynamically measure track temperature.

Network controllers monitor rail temperature in real-time, and can apply speed restrictions to particular sections of track and minimise the overall disruption to passengers.

By using actual track temperature, rather than the forecast ambient temperature, speed restrictions can be targeted to heat-affected parts of the network only.

Speed Restrictions

Tracks can expand in extreme temperatures and trains must travel at slower speeds to ensure the safety of passengers, Metro employees and local communities.

When the track temperature of a line reaches 55 degrees or higher, the maximum speed limit is restricted to 80km/h on a particular line or section of track.
On days where the ambient temperature is forecast to reach 42 degrees and above in Melbourne, the maximum speed limit is reduced to 70km/h across the entire Metro network.

When speed restrictions are in place, passengers will notice changes to their service as trains can only travel at 80 km/h on parts of the network where they usually travel at 110km/h.

Some services may be cancelled to manage the expected delays caused by the speed restrictions. By creating a small number of gaps between services, it prevents further congestion across the network.

We understand these changes might extend normal journey times or alter your regular travel plans. Passenger safety is our priority during extreme weather, and we thank people for their patience.

Metro advises passengers to stay hydrated and avoid too much time in the sun. If you require any assistance please speak to one of our Customer Service staff at the station or press the red emergency button on the platform.

For all information on your line and to stay up-to-date, keep an eye on the metroNotify app, check the health board on metrotrains.com.au or follow us on Twitter @metrotrains