Latest train punctuality data from the Andrews Labor Government shows the Gippsland Line is currently the worst performing service in the state.
For the month of May, only 66 per cent of Bairnsdale trains ran on time. The statewide target is 92 per cent.
It was also the worst performing line for April, with only 68 per cent of trains on time. This means almost one in every three Bairnsdale train services is not arriving at its destination within 11 minutes of its scheduled time, with some trains in the past four weeks arriving up to 45 minutes late.
Bairnsdale train services have been cancelled, or services replaced with buses, due to faulty trains. The V/Line Gippsland twitter feed shows services have been starting at Sale, instead of Bairnsdale, forcing passengers on to buses.
The Traralgon (Gippsland) Line services have also been badly affected by delays. The line is performing worse than Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong.
Train, track and rolling stock faults are the responsibility of the Victorian Government.
Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the Victorian Government’s own data showed that Daniel Andrews can’t run trains on time.
“Labor has been in power for 14 of the last 18 years in Victoria – but the Andrews Government always looks to blame someone else for the problems facing V/Line,” Mr Bull said.
“It’s time that Daniel Andrews and Harriet Shing contributed state money to fix the Gippsland line and V/Line trains.”
Member for Morwell, Russell Northe, said while some train delays were unavoidable, due to accidents and other passenger requirements, the majority of delays were caused by faulty trains and track congestion on the Metro network.
“The Nationals are committed to improving the reliability of service for V/Line passengers in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland,” Mr Northe said.
“But we have seen no plan from Labor about how it will improve train reliability on the Metro corridor between Pakenham and Melbourne. They are in government – it’s time for them to act.”
Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said many people, including the elderly and students, relied on the train service to make appointments and attend study.
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, said there were ongoing talks between the Commonwealth and the State about track upgrades, but the Federal Government could not be blamed for trains breaking down.
“People in Gippsland don’t want political games; they just want governments to get on with the job of delivering,” Mr Chester said.
“I have announced record Commonwealth funding for the Gippsland line, including $195 million for track duplications to improve service reliability, and $95 million to replace the Avon River Bridge at Stratford.”
Friday, June 16, 2017