A Wodonga mother and her son will be forced to pay for accommodation when they travel with V/Line next, so they can make it to important appointments in Melbourne on time.
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The 6.35am Albury to Southern Cross service broke down in Chiltern on Monday morning leaving Jackie Partridge and her son Nathan Halliday stranded with other passengers.
Mrs Partridge said it will cost at least $150 to stay the night, but it's what they will need to do so Nathan can get the treatment at the Royal Melbourne Dental Hospital.
She was frustrated with V/Line's lack of communication on what was happening.
“When we got to Chiltern they announced the train had broken down and said buses could be 30 minutes to an hour,” she said.
"Even when we got off the train there was no assistance and there was no communication.”
Mrs Partridge was still waiting for V/Line to respond seven hours after she asked about a reimbursement.
Coaches were eventually provided for passengers stuck at Chiltern.
V/Line spokeswoman Ebony Jordan said the train broke down due to a locomotive fault.
“Another loco had to be sent to retrieve the faulty train, which has resulted in some further disruptions,” she said.
“This has been communicated to customers through announcements, the V/Line website, text messages, emails and social media.”
Yarrawonga woman, Rachel Young also found it difficult communicating with the rail company.
Her husband, Richard, was supposed to join the 12.45pm Albury service in Benalla to make an international flight in Melbourne.
“The transition itself was fine, he was straight onto the next bus and they left at the scheduled time,” Mrs Young said.
“My disappointment was when they couldn’t give me information. I called V/Line to find out what the delay would be and was told the train hadn’t been cancelled.
“When you purchase a ticket you give them your phone number – we didn't receive a message about the changes or anything.”
