THE temporary closure of the Hamilton V/Line office along with other towns’ offices has prompted the V/Line head office to make a statement in respect of ticket availability for passengers.

Whilst the departure of a staff member from the contractor who ran the agency has created the situation, V/Line told The Spectator they are “currently working closely with the contractor to determine the future direction” of the ticket office.

V/Line ticket agents are typically operated by private organisations such as local libraries and newsagencies.

The business operating the Dunkeld ticket agent also recently closed down and the business in Mortlake recently advised V/Line that it would cease selling tickets to better focus on its core business.

V/Line will work with the local community to explore options for another business to sell V/Line tickets in these towns.

A V/Line spokesperson said tickets were still available in other ways.

“All coaches servicing Hamilton, Mortlake and Dunkeld are equipped with an onboard ticketing system so passengers can purchase a ticket once boarding the coach using either cash or card,” they said.

“Tickets are also available for purchase on the V/Line website.”

Passengers who purchase a ticket from the V/Line website can either have the ticket mailed to their address or display their confirmation email to the driver on a mobile device.