All trains on Melbourne's rail network suspended after computer failure

Melbourne has suffered through peak hour commuter chaos after a computer glitch shut down the entire train network, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

The fault brought every line to a grinding halt at about 4pm on today, leaving people stuck on trains between stations and some trapped underground in the City Loop for two hours.

Metro tweeted a warning for people not to force the doors and make a getaway from the stranded trains, and were advising people at stations to "seek alternative transport where possible".

A video on Twitter showed passengers jumping out of a stationary train and onto the tracks.

Services resumed shortly after 5.30pm, but by that time, platforms were clogged with a sea of angry commuters - some demanding compensation for the delay.

Pictures on social media showed people crammed into train carriages like sardines in the desperate push to get home once services resumed.

Metro Trains tweeted: "crowd control measures are in place at Sthn Cross and City Loop stations. Pls allow extra time to enter & follow directions from staff."

Many disgruntled passengers took to social media to vent about their horror trip home - many suggesting free travel on Friday to make up for it.

There are still delays across the network, which are likely to persist for most of the night.

VicRoads also issued a warning that boom gates may be down for long periods due to the sudden influx in trains.

The peak hour debacle also affected Melbourne's tram networks, with Yarra Trams saying "high demand" was contributing to major delays.

Uber prices skyrocketed at the height of the chaos, with a five-minute trip - which could usually cost about $8 to $10 - shooting up to about $43.

The computer issue has now been fixed and Metro has apologised and promised a full investigation into what caused the glitch.