Ill commuters to be moved off Melbourne trains under new policy

Sick passengers will be moved off Melbourne’s trains and treated on platforms, under a new policy designed to keep the state’s rail system moving.

The new guidelines for metropolitan and regional trains were unveiled this morning by the state government and Public Transport Victoria.

Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told 9News in most cases ill passengers will be better off being treated on station platforms.

“It’s easier for our paramedics to attend to and to enable them to receive the care they need," Ms Mikakos said.

The new policy was developed in conjunction with Ambulance Victoria and Safer Care Victoria.

Up until now, passengers have been treated on trains, potentially delaying thousands of people.

Metro says the 777 medical incidents on trains so far this year have resulted in late running for almost 5000 services.

But Ms Mikakos said there will be exceptions to the new policy.

“There may well be circumstances in which a passenger should be left on a train, for example where there are suspected spinal injuries, or the passenger is too heavy to move," she said.

“We’re really looking to the community to assist their fellow passengers”.

The new policy takes effect from today.