Mucking With the Train Doors

So I finally get on the train at Southern Cross to Williamstown and we're moseying along. We get to Newport, which normally is where I'd get off to get on the next train that goes to Williamstown. But this time the train I'm on is going to Williamstown and people wanting to get on the Werribee line have to get off to catch the next train. I know, it's confusing, and it only happens during certain times of the day.

We get to Newport and you see that the platform is already packed full of kids getting out of school. And I'm thinking thank goodness I don't have to get off. Then the conductor says that this train is terminating here because there's a disruption on the Williamstown line so everyone has to get off. !#$!%!@#$!@#$

So I get off and there's no instructions on what to do for those going to Williamstown, which from Newport, the stop I get off is 3 more stops down the line. I considered walking but then I have no idea which way, where to go, and how long it would take me. Plus I already have blisters on my toes from walking around the CBD today. So I'm confused and just hanging around the station waiting for further instructions. They then announce that a Williamstown train will be coming in about 4 minutes. So I'm relieved.

A train pulls up and it's the Werribee line so a bunch of people get on. And it sits there. Kids are messing with the door and it keeps opening then the train people start walking along the train yelling at people to step away from the doors. The conductor is getting more frustrated by the tone of his voice over the PA system. Then what seemed like forever, the conductor comes across the system and says "The train is being delayed because the students keep mucking with the doors. This line is now a limited express train to Laverton," which means it's heading in the direction of Werribee but it's going to blow past a few stations instead of stopping. The conductor repeats and adds that if students keep delaying the train that they will cancel the line. Whatever....

So a bunch of people get off, the platform is packed. The train just sits there for again, what feels like forever, then he makes another announcement about it being the Werribee train and a bunch of people pile on. Then a few minutes pass and it's changed again so practically everyone piles off, then another announcement and a bunch of people pile on. THEN they announce that due to a defect in the door the train is not taking passengers so everyone gets off the train.....again. The conductor is yelling over the PA for people to clear the door from the platform so the train can leave. A few minutes later the Williamstown train arrives. ABOUT BLOODY TIME!!!!

So I'm finally home, about an hour and 20 minutes after I got on the train down at the CBD. Ugh.

My feet hurt.

- julie