Yarra Trams and Metro Trains fail new punctuality targets

MELBOURNE’S train and tram operators are facing hefty fines from PTV after both operators failed their performance targets.

METRO Trains and Yarra Trams could face huge fines after both operators failed their performance targets in the first month of new multi-billion dollar contracts.

Public Transport Victoria yesterday released the companies’ December results, with both companies falling short of the tough new guidelines that took effect on November 30.

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Metro delivered 91.6 per cent of its services on time in December, just below the new target of 92 per cent, while Yarra Trams fell short of its 82 per cent goal by delivering 80.7 per cent of its services on time.

Yarra Trams delivered 80.7 per cent of its services on time. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Under the old guidelines, the operators would have been above their targets but in September last year both agreed to the tough new measures to secure contracts worth a combined $7 billion.

Metro can now be fined up to $1.25 million each month it fails to meet its requirements, while Yarra Trams can be fined up to $500,000.

PTV will decide whether to penalise the operators for their December results over the next few weeks.

PTV CEO Jeroen Weimar said both companies needed to improve their performance.

“We’ve raised the bar in the new contracts with our train and tram operators to deliver a better travel experience for our passengers,” he said. “After the first full month of the new contracts, both operators still need to lift their game.”

“We acknowledge there are factors the operators cannot control, but we still require answers as to what they are going to do to improve future performance.”

Major events and soaring temperatures are believed to have hit services late last year.

Hot temperatures, big events, wild weather and the Flinders St rampage are all believed to have affected services at the end of last year. In the same month 83 per cent of V/Line services ran on time.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said he hoped the new targets would translate to benefits for passengers.

“They are more ambitious but it does reflect that Metro and Yarra Trams need to do better to deliver the public transport services that Melburnians want,” he said.

“The operators and the government need to do more to ensure our public transport infrastructure is up to scratch — including pushing ahead with upgrades such as rail duplication, to fix single track bottlenecks.”

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