Metro Trains and Yarra Trams fall short of monthly punctuality targets for April

Melbourne’s train and tram operators have failed their punctuality targets for the third consecutive month but passengers will not be able to claim compensation.

Melbourne’s train and tram operators have failed their punctuality targets for the third consecutive month, but irate passengers will not be able to claim compensation.

It comes after a horror month in March meant that regular commuters were able to apply for a free fare with Public Transport Victoria.

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Yarra Trams and Metro Trains both narrowly fell short of their targets in April after 68,494 tram trips and 4742 train services did not arrive on time.

PTV chief executive Jeroen Weimar said operators had improved their performance despite a massive shutdown along lines in the southeast for upgrade work.

“The April blitz got on with the job of building the Metro Tunnel, getting ready for the new fleet of bigger and better trains and removing level crossings,” he said.

“Despite these works disrupting nine metropolitan train lines, our operators were able to improve their performance compared to the previous month.”

Melbourne’s train and tram operators have failed their punctuality targets for the third consecutive month, but irate passengers will not be able to claim compensation. Picture: Ian Currie

A level crossing accident on the Sandringham line that sparked peak hour chaos last month had a major impact on Metro’s results.

“We know Metro’s performance in April was below what our passengers expect, however the improvement when compared to March is a step in the right direction,” Mr Weimar said.

“We understand that it’s frustrating when trams don’t run on time, however Yarra Trams was still able to deliver a strong service while catering for increased demand during a very busy month.”

V/Line services recorded some improvements across the entire network and punctuality on the Geelong line rose to 92.1 per cent.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said authorities needed to be more ambitious about meeting and exceeding the targets set in new contracts.

“We’re below the government targets but above the compensation threshold,” he said.

“I don’t think the targets are too high … There are obvious things they can do to improve punctuality such as road priority for trams.

“They state government and operators really should be working together.

“If they continue to miss these targets they’re going to need to get serious about overcoming delays and cancellations.”