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EXTRA train services on the Werribee line haven’t eased peak-hour overcrowding, new figures reveal.
The latest passenger loading surveys show trains on the Werribee line are struggling to keep pace with patronage.
The surveys showed there were no signs of improvement from last year, even though 10 extra peak-hour services lifted capacity by almost a third.
Trains with more than 798 passengers in peak-hour are considered crowded.
The number of passengers on crowded trains dropped from 17.9per cent in October 2010 to 14.4per cent 12 months later.
A report by the auditor-general stated the surveys were a snapshot of overcrowding, but were “insufficient to measure passengers’ day-to-day experience”.
A report detailing timetable changes to come into effect late next month, obtained by Greens MP Greg Barber under freedom of information, showed no extra services will be added during weekday peak hours for the Werribee line.
Weekend changes included slowing Werribee line trips by two minutes.
Wyndham Transport Advisory chairman Jim Giddings said the survey’s findings about crowded trains came as no surprise.
The group was “very disappointed” there were no extra peak-hour services under the new timetable.
“In the morning peak periods, when the train leaves Werribee station, it’s carrying roughly 700 commuters, and when it leaves Hoppers Crossing the train’s full. What does that say?
“It says the demand is there and the services should be provided.”
Mr Giddings said the committee would continue to advocate for extra peak-hour trains and better bus services that would link to stations.
