TRAINS on the Frankston line are running late more often, Metro figures reveal.
Frankston line trains were on time 90.4 per cent of the time in April of this year, but that number has since dropped. In June, just 83.1 per cent of trains on the line ran on time. The number is also down on the 88.3 per cent of all Metro train services that ran on time during June.
Metro Trains had set a target of 92 per cent punctuality. As a result of their failure to meet that target, Metro will compensate its passengers.
Metro department acting deputy secretary Alan Fedda said “the sub 90 per cent performance means Metro will pay compensation to passengers. A number of incidents contributed to the result including an overhead power issue near Aircraft Station on 3 June and a collision between a train and car near Mentone Station on 12 June.”
“Metro Trains’ contract with the state government includes tougher measures than ever before in relation to punctuality. We expect them to meet these targets and deliver a service that our passengers deserve,” he said.
“These results are unacceptable and we will continue to work with Metro Trains to ensure its performance returns to the expected levels.”
Mr Fedda said that more than 100 incidents involving ill passengers had also caused delays. He said that under the state government contract to operate the train and tram networks, Metro can be fined up to $1.25 million per month.
Shadow minister for public transport David Davis said “despite the billions of dollars spent on public transport construction including level crossing removals on the Frankston line, the reality for Frankston line commuters is that there has been a dramatic and unacceptable fall in reliability and punctuality on their line.”
Passengers can visit metrotrains.com.au to claim compensation.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 24 July 2019