North east line trains later than ever

Nearly half the services on the north-east line were late in June – the worst result since Daniel Andrews was elected in 2014.

The latest VLine performance figures show just 52.5 per cent of trains ran on time in June, worse than the previous low of 52.7 per cent recorded in May this year and plunging further below the performance target of 92 per cent.

Shadow Minister for Regional Public Transport and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan said the crisis in Victoria’s regional rail network left more and more country passengers running late, or not arriving at all.

“Daniel Andrews isn’t even doing the bare minimum to maintain our regional rail network and it shows as VLine performance slumps to a 10-year low,” Ms Ryan said.

“Country people deserve to have a reliable, modern rail service that connects our country communities with each other and with Melbourne, delivering better access to jobs and services, including health and education.

“But while country trains run late – or not at all – Daniel Andrews’ plan to improve services is new seat fabrics and new carpet.”

In June, 7 of Victoria’s 11 regional lines failed to meet the 92 per cent punctuality target.

It means many commuters arrived more than six minutes late, while long-distance passengers were delayed by more than 11 minutes.

“While the Federal Government has delivered more than $1.6 billion to upgrade the state’s rail network, the Andrews Labor Government is investing just four per cent of the capital funding for public transport in this year’s Budget into Regional Victoria,” Ms Ryan said.

“Daniel Andrews has found billions to put into level crossing cost blowouts in Melbourne, but when it comes to Regional Victoria we’re treated as second-class citizens.

“Instead of tinkering with cosmetic fixes, we need genuine investment in track and signalling upgrades and fast, reliable, comfortable new trains.”

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