THE rocky train ride from Albury to Wangaratta has led to V/Line stopping tea and coffee sales on that stretch of the journey to Melbourne.
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The ban has been triggered by fears that staff could scald themselves while preparing the hot drinks in the buffet car.
"Due to a few rough track sections between Albury and Wangaratta, it's safer for us to temporarily stop serving hot drinks during this part of the journey," a V/Line spokesman said.
"This is only a temporary measure and we understand this may be frustrating, however providing a safe working environment for our staff and a safe travelling environment for our passengers is extremely important to us."
It is unclear when the ban may end, with the troubled track to undergo $235 million in upgrades over coming years.
However, the XPT is continuing to serve tea and coffee with a NSW TrainLink spokeswoman saying there are "no plans to stop providing hot beverages".
"XPT trains use an airbag suspension system, offering a smooth ride for customers and staff," she said.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley said the directive from V/Line highlighted the need for track and rolling stock improvements.
"The reality is the XPT that travels the same line is still serving lattes," Mr Tilley said.
"Our antiquated N Class trains and their less than ideal suspension system should be in a museum not on our train tracks.
"The Victorian Auditor-General said they should have been replaced five years ago."
Border Rail Action Group member Bill Traill said V/Line's step was reasonable.
"I'm not surprised given the degradation of the track," Mr Traill said.
"We have no option but to support V/Line and its workers in that situation, inconvenient that it may be."
Mr Traill believes the track problems are worsening with side-to-side shaking related to rail alignment being added to the up and down ride caused by mudholes.
Mr Tilley said he understood a directive stopping the beverage sales was issued two weeks ago.
"It is clear that this section of the line has deteriorated in recent months, so the sooner we see some of that $235 million in Federal Coalition funding spent on this part of the track the better," Mr Tilley said.
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