Buses Replace Trains During Fuel Price Surge

Wyndham commuters are set to face another disruption on the Werribee Line, with buses replacing trains between Newport and Werribee from 15 April to 5am on 25 April.

The shutdown forms part of ongoing Level Crossing Removal Project works, which have already triggered timetable and service changes on the line since 17 November 2025, with disruptions expected to run through to late April 2026.

The changes will affect commuters travelling from Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Williams Landing, Aircraft and Laverton stations, cutting across one of the busiest stretches of the line for Wyndham residents heading toward the city.

While the works are part of long-term upgrades, the timing is landing in the middle of a growing fuel cost squeeze across Melbourne’s west.

Petrol prices in Wyndham are now sitting between $2.50 and $2.55 per litre, with diesel pushing above $3, as global supply pressures linked to conflict in the Middle East continue to tighten markets.

At the same time, many households have been encouraged to rely more on public transport or work from home to ease pressure on fuel demand.

For Werribee Line users, however, the replacement of trains with buses removes one of the more direct and reliable alternatives during that period.

The bus replacements are expected to add travel time and reduce capacity compared to regular train services, particularly during peak periods when Wyndham commuters already face some of the busiest conditions on the network.

The overlap between rising fuel costs and reduced rail efficiency is not lost on many in the community, with some noting the challenge of being pushed toward public transport while key routes are operating at reduced capacity.

Transport authorities have flagged the works as necessary to deliver long-term improvements, but for now, Wyndham commuters will need to navigate a slower and more crowded journey through the final stretch of the project timeline.