Coaches were already due to replace trains from Friday through to Monday, with works being done on the Ballarat rail line.

However, now the planned coaches are not even available.

Public Transport Victoria says it has been able to source alternative buses from other operators to deploy to the Ballarat line, but they are not expected to be the same standard as usual.

The replacement buses might not have toilets on board or the full luggage capacity normally provided on road coaches. 

In a statement, Public Transport Victoria apologised for the situation.

“Some passengers may wish to reconsider their travel on the Ballarat line today,” the statement said.

“We would like to apologise in advance to passengers for this late change and any inconvenience that this causes.

“V/Line will have additional staff at stations along the line to assist passengers and regular updates will be provided on the V/Line website, through station announcements, on social media and via the smartphone apps.”

Trains will resume as normal for the first service on Tuesday morning. 

For more information please go to ptv.vic.gov.au