By Alesha Capone
The state opposition has criticised the performance of Melbourne’s train network, as figures reveal 90 trains were cancelled on the Werribee line during August.
This compares to 61 cancellations during August last year.
The figures, from Public Transport Victoria (PTV), also show that on the Werribee line last month:
• 89 trains ran short (compared to 68 in August last year). Running short means the train did not depart from its scheduled origin, arrive at its scheduled destination or was replaced by an alternative mode of transport.
• 33 trains bypassed scheduled stops on the City Loop (compared to 31 in August last year).
• 4809 trains were on time (compared to 5059 in August last year).
Overall, there were 937 trains cancelled across the Metro Melbourne network in August.
The Werribee line logged the fourth-highest rate of cancellations, behind the Frankston (134 cancellations), Pakenham (102 cancellations) and Craigieburn (98 cancellations) lines.
The Shadow Minister for Public Transport (Metropolitan), David Davis, said that “commuters shouldn’t be left standing on a station with their train a no show”.
“Passengers expect reliable, safe and punctual train services,” he said.
“Cancelling services or bypassing or skipping stations leaves passengers justifiably frustrated and angry.”
Train operator Metro released a statement which said that in August, track and signalling upgrades, bridge maintenance, and graffiti removal works were carried out across the network, including on the Cranbourne/Pakenham, Sandringham, Werribee/Williamstown and Mernda lines.
“Significant power upgrades and maintenance also saw replacement buses running on all or part of the Werribee, Williamstown, Sunbury, Craigieburn and Upfield lines, with no trains running through the City Loop,” the statement said.
There were also 281 incidents related to trespassing and police operations on the Melbourne train network.
