Disruptions spark poor performance results for Metro and Yarra Trams

Melbourne’s trains and trams have caused delays for passengers for the fourth consecutive month after shutdowns and disruptions on two major lines.

Melbourne’s train and tram operators have failed their punctuality targets for the fourth consecutive month after services were hit by disruptions on two major lines.

Just 90.4 per cent of Metro Trains services arrived at the platform on time in May after 6086 scheduled trains ran late throughout the month.

Another 81,713 trams were delayed through heavy congestion as Yarra Trams fell below its target of 82 per cent.

Public Transport Victoria chief executive Jeroen Weimar said the network was put under stress after a power problem at Laverton junction and the closure of the Sandringham line.

The failure hit services on the Werribee line for four days, with an independent review finding the problem was sparked by corrosion and a falling wire that was caught on a train.

“We know this unusual incident caused significant disruption to passengers on the Werribee line over four days,” Mr Weimar said.

“As a result, Metro Trains is now replacing all insulator connectors on the Werribee line on top of the existing routine maintenance schedule.”

Mr Weimar said extra passengers also flocked to trams in the southeast during a major shutdown of the Sandringham line.

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“One of the strengths of Melbourne’s transport network is that it gives passengers alternative options for how to get around during planned works,” he said.

“Yarra Trams was prepared for this and catered for the increased demand for services during May.”

V/Line delivered 86.5 per cent of its services on time but recorded better results on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines compared to the same time last year.