[Melb] national express cross-promotion

["Steve" <scpemb@netspace.net.au>]

Caught a V-line train this morning from Geelong to Melb, full of footy
supporters heading to Geelong v Hawthorn at the MCG, so all had to change at
Spencer Street for Richmond or Jolimont.  Announcement on the train said -
go to platforms 11 and 12 at Spencer Street for trains to Richmond.

Is it just coincidence that National Express run both V-line and Bayside,
which uses platforms 11 and  12 - seeking to promote only their own
services?

Not good advice at the best of times, as of course platform 11 is for
Bayside trains to the North & West, not Richmond at all; platform 12 does go
to Richmond but not as often as 10 (Hillside to Richmond) and 9 (Hillside to
Jolimont).  Even worse advice today because nothing was running from
platform 11, and the Richmond-bound Bayside trains had been moved to
platform 13 for some reason.

About 200 people stood around on platform 11, missing several trains on 9 &
10,  until someone finally had pity on them & told them the right platform.

Just wondering whether it's Vline policy to only promote Bayside services,
or just a coincidence?

Steve