Driver of 40 years Trevor Kruger said the line was dangerous between Melbourne and Seymour.

He said Mr Mulder was shocked by the track’s condition during his ride in the cabin from Seymour to Violet Town.

“He was shocked at the state of the track,” Mr Kruger said,

“We had a very interesting chat as we went along, he was interested and we were interested to have him there.”

Mr Kruger said the line was terrible.

“I’d say dangerous from Melbourne to Seymour and it progressively gets better the further north you go.

“Wangaratta up to Albury it’s fine but from Melbourne to Seymour it’s dangerous and it’s terrible from Seymour to Wangaratta.”

V/Line imposed an 80km/h speed limit on 70 kilometres of the west track from Seymour to Violet Town because of the track condition.

Mr Kruger said mudholes threw drivers from their seats despite the restrictions.

“I’m no lightweight and it throws me into the air,” Mr Kruger said.

“There are a lot of other tracks I’d rather drive that are nice and smooth and aren’t damaging our backs.

“We’ve had one bloke retire, he doesn’t want to go on the bad track.

“But they’re working on it so I hope it gets better.”

Despite the track condition, Mr Kruger said it was good to be driving the line again.

“It’s absolutely wonderful, it’s good to be back up here.

“But after 40 years, we deserve better.”