Connex touts 86% on time services for month of March 2009

[Mozz]

Just returned from a trip to Melbourne and caught some of those "wide gauge" trains - saw a poster at one station promoting 86% on time running for the month of March 2009. I thought the rail system was pretty much in crisis down there? Of course there may be differences between how connex and QR calculate their on time running stats - but there shouldn't be too much difference..... so why is our score appear to be consistently in the 80's as well in recent past? Comments ....

http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/index.php?id=82

[O_128]

rolling stock issues maybe

[ozbob]

Same problems in Melbourne starting to manifest here in SEQ.   Lack of maintenance track and signalling has been a major problem in Melbourne, as well as poor rolling stock resourcing and some ongoing issues with the new trains.  Sound familiar?

This article here in the Victorian thread is telling ...       Article: 'It's too hard to fix this mess', says Connex

This morning the 6.25am from Oxley actually came through about 6.38am.  Guard apologised for the delay as we approached Roma St, mechanical problems being the cause.  A lack of rolling stock has meant for years that the trains have been pushed hard.  At least now we are starting to get in a better position for maintenance.  It will take time to catch up for the 8 years of neglect QR Citytrain endured.

[rob2144]

Melbournes track is woeful, there has hardly been any major sleeper replacement program for years and the electrical sub stations are so ancient.

[O_128]

Teh 6:58am bowen hills train was today late by 7 mins then the 7:13 was on time and the 7:17 was delayed until 7:25 due to track congestion time for a duplication i think